TISHOMINGO, Okla. - During the academic year, the Murray State College Athletic Department periodically highlights former student-athletes who had successful careers following their time as an Aggie through the "Honoring Greatness" segment. Today, we take a few minutes today to honor former Murray State College baseball player, U L Washington.

Washington grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Stringtown High School before attending Murray State College in 1971. After playing one season at Murray State College, Washington signed with the Kansas City Royals as an amateur free agent.

Washington made his Major League Baseball debut with the Royals in 1977 and his first full-time season with the club was the following year in 1978. Washington played 11 Major League seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The former Murray State Aggie's best season came in 1980 when he recorded 150 hits to help lead the Royals to their first World Series appearance.

Three years later, Washington was the runner on first base that scored on George Brett's famous "pine tar" home run.

After retiring in 1987, Washington embarked on a career as an MLB hitting coach/hitting instructor for several MLB franchises. His most notable coaching stint was with the Boston Red Sox from 2003-14, an era in which the storied franchise won three World Championship titles.

Washington was inducted into the Murray State College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He remains active in baseball alumni events and currently lives in Atoka, Oklahoma.


Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
Aggie Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram