U L Washington
From BR Bullpen
U L Washington
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 5' 11", Weight 175 lb.
- Debut September 6, 1977
- Final Game October 4, 1987
- Born October 27, 1953 in Stringtown, OK USA
[edit] Biographical Information
U L Washington played 11 seasons in the big leagues, stealing 132 bases and appearing in the 1980 World Series.
Washington was signed as a free agent in 1972 and played in the minors from 1973-77. He was with Omaha from 1975-77 and stole 39 bases in 1977.
After making his big league debut with the Kansas City Royals in September 1977, Washington spent most of 1978 and 1979 in a utility role with the club. On September 21, 1979, he had his best game in the majors, going 4 for 5 with 2 home runs (one from each side of the plate) and 6 RBI. He became the team's regular shortstop in 1980 and hit .364 for the Royals in the 1980 ALCS.
- He's best remembered for his always present toothpick. UL always played with a blade of bermuda grass in his mouth in high school. He kept up the habit in the minor leagues. Kansas City had artificial turf, so the toothpick was his adaptation to not having a blade of grass available.
- He went 12-for-18 off of Gaylord Perry, the best anyone ever did off of the Hall of Famer in that many at bats.
- U L is not short for anything. His given name is U L Washington.
- UL was signed by the Royals after an open tryout and went through their short-lived "Baseball Academy". He was one of several players from the academy to make it to the major leagues.
- In 1989, he played for the Orlando Juice of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He hit .338 in 68 games for the club and stole 21 bases.
- 1989 Manager Welland Pirates
- In 1990, he played for the San Bernardino Pride of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. He played in 24 games, batting .284 with 2 home runs and 11 RBI before the league folded.
- 1992 Coach Baseball City Royals
- 2006, 2010-2011 Coach GCL Red Sox
