Busby, Otis First Members of Royals’ Hall of Fame

Pitcher Steve Busby and centerfielder Amos Otis, key figures in developing the Kansas City Royals into one of the most successful expansion franchises in baseball history, are the first inductees in the team’s Hall of Fame.

Otis, the starting centerfielder for 13 seasons, retired in 1983 holding seven Royals offensive records. Before Busby’s career was cut short by a shoulder injury, the hard-throwing righthander tossed two no-hitters.

“Amos and Steve played very significant roles in the tradition of the Royals,” Royals co-owner Ewing Kauffman said at a news conference. “They were instrumental in our early development and because of their extraordinary talents on the field they established a winning pattern for all of our players.”

A panel of 16 voters took part in the balloting. The Royals plan to conduct voting each year and build a Hall of Fame display section in their stadium.

Neither inductee was present at the announcement. Otis, a five-time All-Star who retired in 1983, is a minor league hitting instructor for the San Diego Padres and Busby works in broadcasting.

“This is something I want to share with my family and the fans who followed and supported me while I played for the Royals,” Otis was quoted as saying. “I owe a special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. K. (Kauffman) and Joe Burke (Royals president) for the opportunity they gave me in the organization. It will be a moment I treasure.”

Busby pitched only three full seasons, 1973-75, before a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder derailed his career. He pitched in parts of the 1977-80 seasons in a comeback attempt. In 1973 and 1974 he became the only pitcher in major league history to pitch no-hitters in his first two full major league seasons. In 167 games covering 1,-059 innings Busby compiled a 70-54 record. His 22 victories in 1974 stand as the Royals’ single-season record.

“My initial reaction was one of shock,” he said of his selection. “I am absolutely flattered that I can receive this considering all those who have played for the Royals and the contributions they have made. Other than helping a team win a world championship, this is the nicest thing that can happen to an athlete. I am flattered and at the same time humble.”

General Manager John Schuerholz noted that the Royals, formed in 1969, have won six American League West championships, two AL pennants and a World Series title in the past 10 years. He said the establishment of the Hall of Fame officially signals the end of the organization’s status as a franchise team.

“When this organization was formed in 1969, it was formed with an idea and with a goal that focused on success,” Schuerholz said. “In order to achieve those successes we have enjoyed, there was an obligation to gather as many talented players as we could. We felt that as an organization we had grown in stature enough that the time had come to establish the Royals Hall of Fame. The championships we’ve won, the awards we’ve received as a team and as individual players brings us to the point that we think it is absolutely legitimate to have a hall of fame.”