The Toothpicks Always Stuck Out U.L. Wants Fans to Remember His Playing

Baseball players are sometimes remembered for the most unusual things.

Stringtown native U.L. Washington simply hopes fans will remember him for more than his toothpick and the fact he has initials for a first name.

"People used to always ask me what the initials U.L. stood for," Washington said. "I'd tell them, "U.L. That's it. They don't stand for anything.' " Washington, 34, hasn't retired, but his playing days may be over. A middle infielder who primarily played shortstop, Washington spent most of last season in triple-A at Vancouver although he played sparingly with Pittsburgh. This spring he attended the Cincinnati Reds' training camp.

"They kept a younger guy," Washington said. "I won't go back to the minors, but I haven't said I've officially retired. If someone called and said they wanted me to play in the majors I'd go.

"I spent nine straight years in the majors, so going back to the minors was the toughest thing for me the past two years. At my age it got to where every time out, I was fighting pain off here or there anyway. I really admire the guys who play until they're 40."

Washington is proud of the fact he "stayed for more than a cup of coffee," as he puts it. In 11 major league seasons, eight of them at Kansas City, Washington batted .251 in 907 games. He also collected 132 stolen bases, swiping a career-high 40 in 1983.

"I'd much rather be remembered as a pretty good player, but I realize most people will remember me as the guy with the toothpick," Washington said. "I feel I've had a pretty good career, especially looking back at how I got into professional baseball."

Washington got his start at the now defunct Royals Baseball Academy.

A Florida-based camp designed to turn natural athletes into baseball players, Washington was one of only three academy "graduates" who played in the majors. He even played in the 1980 World Series.

"There's a lot of guys in the Hall of Fame that never played in a World Series, and I got to do it my first year as a starter," Washington said. "That's something I'll always cherish, but you get a little spoiled once you get to the big leagues."

Paid as much as $650,000 one year, Washington says some long-range investments should keep his family secure. He didn't forget his roots although he has traveled to almost every major city. He plans to settle down in Atoka, near Stringtown.

Washington believes the 1985 collusion case probably shortened his career. He feels it not only affected big names like Kirk Gibson, but it also stunned guys like U.L. Washington.

"I turned down a deal to stay at Montreal and I had a chance to start there back in '85," Washington said. "I lost some love for the game because of collusion and the politics involved, but I never dreamed I'd even play big league baseball. It's just something that happened. Playing pro ball is something I'll always cherish." BIOG: NAME:

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