Al Fitzmorris, one of the last original Royals, passed away this week after a battle with cancer. He was part of the inaugural Royals team in 1969 and pitched eight seasons with the Royals, eventually becoming part of the community.
Fitzmorris was signed by the White Sox as a free agent in 1966, as an outfielder. He made the switch to pitcher in 1967, thinking it would be a faster path to the majors. The Royals selected him with their 40th selection in the expansion draft.
Fitzmorris moved through the minors quickly. He jumped from A ball with the White Sox in 1968, to Triple-A Omaha to start the 1969 season before making his Major League debut on September 8, 1969.