Fred Patek

Inducted 1992
Shortstop 1971-1979

Though small in stature, Patek's on-field skills played a giant role in the Royals early success. He was Major League Baseball's smallest player at 5-foot-4, but his outstanding speed and aggressiveness made him a two-time All-Star selection. He led the American League in triples (11) in 1971 and stolen bases (53) in 1977. For eight consecutive years, Patek posted 30 or more stolen bases, and he led the league in double plays turned four straight seasons. A durable player at a demanding position, he ranks among the Royals all-time leaders in hits (1,036), walks (413), runs scored (571), stolen bases (336), and games played (1,245).

POSITION: Shortstop

BATS: Right

THROWS: Right

HEIGHT: 5'5

WEIGHT: 148

BORN: October 9, 1944 in Seguin, Texas

HOW ACQUIRED: November 30, 1972: Traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Wayne Simpson to the Kansas City Royals for Roger Nelson and Richie Scheinblum.

SIGNED: 1965

DEBUT: July 11, 1968

FINAL GAME: July 17, 1987

Fred Patek, Kansas City's slick-fielding shortstop from 1971-79, was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1992.

-- KC Royals

In 1977, Patek outpaced the competition with a league-leading 53 stolen bases.

-- KC Royals

Despite being the smallest player in the big leagues at 5-foot-4, Patek was a cornerstone of the early success of the franchise.

-- KC Royals

Patek posted a .241 average in 1,245 regular-season games with the Royals.

-- KC Royals