https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/ml...toothpick.html

U.L. Washington - a former shortstop for the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Montreal Expos - has died from cancer at age 70.

Known for playing with a toothpick in his mouth, Washington, who died on Sunday, joined the Royals - his first MLB team - in 1977 after successfully trying out for the team. His older brother, James, who was an usher at Royals games, had convinced Lou Gorman - Kansas City general manager at the time - to give Washington a shot.

To this day, Washington is one of only three MLB players, along with Ron Washington (no relation) and Frank White, to have been products of the Royals Academy.

His best offensive season in Kansas City was in 1982, when he batted .286 with 10 home runs and 60 RBIs - all career highs.

Washington was on first base and scored on George Brett's 'pine tar' home run in 1983. In his eight seasons with the Royals, Washington hit .254 with 26 home runs and 228 RBIs.