Frank White is, at 66, more than a quarter-century removed from his career as the Royals All-Star second baseman immortalized in bronze at Kauffman Stadium.
Arguably, he’s better known today not so much for his smooth fielding and solid plate appearances during the Royals’ first golden era, but for the easy-going demeanor that’s served him well as a baseball ambassador, broadcaster and now the elected head of Jackson County government.
“My reputation,” White said, “has always been ‘nice guy — give you anything you want.’ ”
But behind that genial persona, he says, is the same fierce competitor who won eight Gold Gloves and batted cleanup all seven games of the 1985 World Series.