The redhead was the Royals’ Pitcher of the Year in 1975, 1977, and 1979. He employed a hard fastball, curve, and slider to average 18 wins a year, 1975-80. His philosophy: “Win or lose, take something out of a game that will help me next time.” In 1982 he missed half the season after suffering a broken finger from a line drive. Torn knee ligaments cost him nearly all of the next three seasons. In 1986 Leonard returned to honor the final year of his contract. He made the starting rotation, and though his record was only 8-13, he pitched several strong games in the first half of the season, including two shutouts. Before coming to the Royals, he hurled two no-hitters in the minors.
