Dave Nelson, who ended his 10-year career with the Royals in 1977, died Monday at 73 after a battle with liver cancer.
Nelson owns another, historical connection to the Royals. He was the first player to step into the batter’s box in a game at Kauffman Stadium.
Nelson hit leadoff as a member of the visiting Texas Rangers on April 10, 1973. He grounded out to pitcher Paul Splittorff to open the ballpark then known as Royals Stadium. The Royals won the game 12-1.
Since 2001, Nelson held a variety of roles for the Milwaukee Brewers, who open a two-game series at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, including broadcaster and director of alumni relations.