U.L. Washington Biography

U.L. Washington was born on October 27, 1953, and passed away on March 3, 2024, as an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball from 1977 to 1987, representing the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington primarily played shortstop and was recognized for keeping a toothpick in the corner of his mouth while on the field and at the plate. After one year at Murray State, he joined the Kansas City Royals Baseball Academy following a tryout arranged by his older brother James. During his eight seasons with the Royals, he hit a .254 batting average, recorded 26 home runs, and drove in 228 runs. Early in the 1988 season, Washington expressed admiration for players who continue competing into their 40s. In 1989, the Pittsburgh Pirates appointed him manager of the Welland Pirates in the New York–Penn League.