A Royals number-one draft pick, Hurdle was American Association Rookie of the Year and MVP in 1977 but never reached the ML stardom many predicted for him. As the regular right fielder for the 1980 Royals pennant winners, he hit .294, with 10 homers and 60 RBI. A back injury put him out most of the next season, and he never regained his batting stroke. A positive clubhouse attitude and a willingness to play anywhere, even catch, extended his career.
