U.L. Washington was a shortstop with the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates, known for the ever-present toothpick in the corner of his mouth.
- Died: March 3, 2024 (Who else died on March 3?)
- Details of death: Died in Atoka, Oklahoma, of cancer at the age of 70.
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U.L. Washington’s legacy
Born in a small town in Oklahoma, Washington was named, simply, “U.L.” – the letters were his full name, not initials. He attended Murray State College for one year before being tapped for the short-lived Kansas City Royals Academy. Intended to develop young players for the major leagues, the academy ultimately only led to three major league careers, including Washington’s. But the academy gave Washington a solid start, and he debuted for the Royals in 1977.
A few years later, Washington helped the Royals to their first American League pennant, hitting a two-out single in game three of the series against the New York Yankees on October 10, 1980. It was quickly followed by a three-run home run that clinched the series in an undefeated three games for the Royals. The team went on to lose to the Philadelphia Phillies in a six-game World Series.
Washington was with the Royals through 1984, going on to play for the Expos for a season and for the Pirates through 1987. Later, he played for the Orlando Juice in the Senior Professional Baseball Association, and he was a minor league coach and manager.
Notable quote
“I’d much rather be remembered as a pretty good player, but I realize most people will remember me as the guy with the toothpick.” —from a 1988 interview for the Oklahoman
Tributes to U.L. Washington
Full obituary: The Kansas City Star
