This switch-hitter began his career as an outfielder, and he hit a respectable .242 in the majors before the DH was introduced. The Royals took Fitzmorris from the White Sox in the expansion draft, and after four seasons of work as a reliever and spot starter, the good-fielding pitcher was sent down in 1973. Called back up in mid-season, he became a starter and went 8-3 with a 2.83 ERA. Fitzmorris was a reliable number-two starter for the next three seasons, winning 44 games as the Royals finally achieved respectability and won their first AL West title (1976). He was selected by the Blue Jays in the expansion draft after the 1976 season and was traded to the Indians for Alan Ashby and a minor leaguer.
