Longtime Royals pitcher Al Fitzmorris passes at 78

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Royals announced via X On Wednesday, longtime starting pitcher Al Fitzmorris passed away at the age of 78.

Fitzmorris spent eight seasons with Kansas City and even stayed in KC after his career ended.

“We mourn the passing of Al Fitzmorris, an Original Royal who joined us in 1969, was an integral part of our first playoff team in 1976 and stayed in Kansas City after his playing days to raise a family while also remaining active involved in our community efforts,” reads the royal announcement.

“We send our condolences to Al’s loved ones and will miss Al dearly.”

Fitzmorris was one of the original Kansas City Royals, meaning he joined the team in their first season in 1969.

“You’re sure you can do your job, but to go from ball in ’68 to the big leagues in 1969 was a big jump,” Fitzmorris said of his start in the big leagues. while talking to FOX4 back in 2018.

“I trusted myself and hoped I was good enough to make that jump in that short time. I was only 23.”

In eight seasons with the Royals, Fitzmorris posted a respectable 70-48 record as a starting pitcher. He had a 3.46 ERA over those eight seasons with 391 strikeouts in just under 1,100 innings.

Fitzmorris would go on to play for the Cleveland Indians for two seasons and the California Angels for one season before returning to Kansas City, where he would eventually support the community through various charities.