three of his first five seasons in the majors, Splittorff and the Royals emerged as American League West champions in . Kansas City faced the New York Yankees in every American League Championship Series from 1976 to , with the Yankees emerging victorious in all three. For his part, Splittorff was 2–0 with a 2.84 ERA against the Yankees in the five appearances he made against them in the ALCS. After both teams missed the playoffs in , the Royals and Yankees resumed their postseason rivalry in the 1980 American League Championship Series. Kansas City swept the series, with Splittorff starting the third and deciding game, and receiving a no-decision. The Royals lost the World Series in six games to the Philadelphia Phillies with Splittorff making his only appearance in game six. Never an All-Star and usually overshadowed by teammates Steve Busby, Dennis Leonard and Larry Gura, Splittorff's consistency and longevity resulted in his winning more games than any of them. Splittorff accumulated 166 career victories over a 15-year career with the Royals. Primarily a starter, Splittorff did pick up one save during his career. On July 22, 1975, in the first game of a doubleheader, he saved a 3-2 Royals victory over the Brewers. Splittorff pitched scoreless innings to hold down the victory for Steve Busby. Splittorff retired when his effectiveness faded. At the same time, the Royals had numerous young pitchers coming through the ranks. His final game was on June 26, . Personal life After his retirement, Splittorff became a television color commentator for the Royals. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in . He also worked as an analyst for Big Eight and Big 12 college basketball telecasts. On May 16, 2011, Splittorff's battle with oral cancer and melanoma became public. Nine days later, on the morning of May 25, he died in his Blue Springs, Missouri, home at the age of 64. See also List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise References 1976 Baseball Register published by The Sporting News External links 1946 births 2011 deaths Methodists from Illinois Baseball players from Indiana Deaths from cancer in Missouri College basketball announcers in the United States Corning Royals players Deaths from oral cancer Deaths from melanoma Kansas City Royals announcers Kansas City Royals players Major League Baseball broadcasters Major League Baseball pitchers Morningside Mustangs baseball players