Paul Splittorff, a left-handed pitcher, spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Kansas City Royals. Born on October 8, 1946, in Evansville, Indiana, Splittorff attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he honed his skills on the mound. His journey to the majors began when the Royals selected him in the 25th round of the 1968 MLB Draft.

Splittorff made his MLB debut on September 23, 1970, against the California Angels. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable starter in the Royals' rotation. Known for his crafty pitching style, Splittorff relied on control and finesse rather than overpowering velocity. His ability to outthink hitters and consistently throw strikes made him a valuable asset to the team.

Throughout the 1970s, Splittorff was a mainstay in the Royals' pitching staff. He achieved double-digit win totals in eight different seasons, demonstrating his consistency and durability. In 1973, he recorded a career-high 20 wins, finishing the season with a 20-11 record and a 3.98 ERA. This performance helped the Royals to their first winning season in franchise history.

Splittorff's contributions were instrumental in the Royals' success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The team reached the postseason several times, including their first World Series appearance in 1980. Although the Royals fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the series, Splittorff's efforts throughout the season were crucial in getting the team to that point.

In addition to his regular-season accomplishments, Splittorff also pitched effectively in the postseason. He appeared in several American League Championship Series (ALCS) games, helping the Royals secure their place as one of the top teams in the league during that era. His postseason record includes a notable performance in the 1976 ALCS against the New York Yankees, where he pitched a complete game victory.

Splittorff's career spanned 15 seasons, during which he became the Royals' all-time leader in wins, a record he held for many years. He finished his career with a 166-143 win-loss record and a 3.81 ERA. His longevity and consistent performance earned him a place in the hearts of Royals fans and a reputation as one of the franchise's most dependable pitchers.

After retiring from playing in 1984, Splittorff transitioned to a successful career as a broadcaster. He provided color commentary for Royals games, sharing his insights and knowledge of the game with a new generation of fans. His connection to the team and the Kansas City community remained strong throughout his life.

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