By Tim Pafford
Frank White has been a part of Kansas City baseball since the 1970's. Even after leaving the field as a player he returned to coach, manage, and work within the broadcasting booth as the fill-in when Paul Splittorff became too ill to continue his work. Why would any front office let go of a loved, living legend, when he was more than willing to remain and lend his vast knowledge of the game to fans during a year that could be the best in recent Royals history? I do not know.
When I presented the news of White's dismissal from the booth, she cried. I know I also had a feeling deep inside my guts of sad disrespect to one of Kansas City's best baseball players. The man has 8 Golden Glove awards and is one of only 2 players in Royals history to have their number retired. (There are three numbers on the wall, but #10 is Dick Howser's number in memory of when he was managing the 1985 World Series victors.)
Frank White has also been quoted as saying that he will never return to Royals baseball in any form because of this bold dismissal of his commentating talents. He was said to have been "too negative" in his broadcasts, but I only saw him picking apart the plays as they happened. He would point out how a play could have been made better by either team's defense. I never noticed him picking on the Royals any more than their play dictated. They have finished last, or tied for last, for several seasons in a row in a division that does not have a dominate team. I don't know of any commentator who could find many bright spots in a team losing that many games a year. (I also don't remember Paul Splittorff being particularly cheerful during seasons of 90+ losses on the year.) So why punish a man for speaking the truth? I know I would rather hear a commentator speak their mind than platitudes for a team that was not playing well. I only hope there is an organization out there some where that will take up Frank White's talent and pay his what he deserves.





