U.L. Washington, the former Kansas City Royals shortstop, died on Sunday in Atoka, Oklahoma, after a battle with cancer. He died at the age of 70, leaving a lasting impact as a well-known character in Kansas City history.
Washington’s MLB career is best known for his unorthodox way of playing with a toothpick in his mouth. After eight years with the Royals, he spent time with the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Condolences to the friends and family of former #Pittsburgh #Pirates SS UL Washington. 🙏
UL finished his MLB career w/the 1986-87 #Buccos in a reserve role.
Here’s UL in action vs the Expos in 1986:#LetsGoBucspic.twitter.com/qrxBR563ct
— 1986-92 Pittsburgh Pirates (@1992Pirates) March 3, 2024
While he did not officially retire, the Pirates released him in 1987, and he did not play another major league game until 1989 when he began coaching. In his career, he hit 27 home runs and 255 RBIs while maintaining a.251 batting average.
U.l. Washington on Life, His Career and Legacy
U.L. Washington discussed his career and how fans across the league will remember him in an interview with the Oklahoman in 1988.
“People used to always ask me what the initials U.L. stood for,” Washington said. “I’d tell them, “U.L. That’s it. They don’t stand for anything.'”
Reflecting on his dismissal from the Pirates and playing at an advanced age, Washingon stated:
“I spent nine straight years in the majors, so going back to the minors was the toughest thing for me the past two years. At my age, it got to where every time out, I was fighting pain off here or there anyway. I admire the guys who play until they’re 40.”
While striving to be remembered as a good player, U.L. Washington realized that chewing on a toothpick might be what people remember when they hear his name.
“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. I feel I’ve had a pretty good career, especially looking back at how I got into professional baseball.”
As the Pirates, Nationals, and Royals pay tribute to a former player, the MLB community extends condolences and support to the family during this difficult time.
What Happened to U.L. Washington?
U.L. Washington, a professional baseball player and coach, was born on October 27, 1953, in Stringtown, Oklahoma. He played shortstop for Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs such as the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Washington rose to prominence in baseball due to his distinctive technique of playing with a toothpick in his mouth. After retiring as a player, Washington became a coach, working with numerous minor league teams and helping to develop future players.
He was well-known for coaching players such as Mookie Betts and helping them improve their skills. Unfortunately, U.L. Washington died of cancer on March 3, 2024, at the age of 70, in Atoka, Oklahoma. His death marked the end of a legendary career that left an indelible impression on the baseball world.
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