KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Paul Splittorff, the big, blonde left-hander who became the winningest pitcher in Royals history and a popular broadcaster for the team, died of complications from skin and oral cancer Wednesday at his home in Blue Springs, Mo. He was 64.
“This is a very difficult day for our organization,” Royals owner and CEO David Glass said. “We will not only miss the insight and humor that he injected into every telecast, but most importantly we will miss his friendship. He epitomized class.”
Drafted by the expansion Royals in the 25th round in 1968, Splittorff went 166-143 with a 3.81 ERA in 15 seasons. He holds the Royals record for victories, starts (392) and innings pitched (2,554 2/3).
His best year was 1973 when he went 20-11, the Royals’ first 20-game winner. Splittorff was not a hard thrower but had command of several pitches and always prepared carefully for every outing.
The Royals said the team will wear a memorial patch on the sleeve of their jerseys the rest of the season.
Footnotes.
Yankees setup man Rafael Soriano has an inflamed ligament in his right elbow that could keep the former all-star out up to two months.
• Twins right-hander Kevin Slowey is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a muscle strain in his abdomen that requires at least a week of rest.
• Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis (hand) and outfielder J.D. Drew (hamstring) are day to day.
• Second baseman Orlando Hudson left San Diego’s game against the Cardinals because of a strained left groin.
The Associated Press
