Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett (1953–) was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, and raised in California. As a teen, he dreamed of being a football star like Joe Namath, but discovered his passion for baseball in high school.

“It all started in 1971,” he said, “My high school coach John Stevenson taught me how to be a winning ballplayer.” That same year, Brett signed with the Royals and never left. Nicknamed “The Franchise,” he spent all 21 seasons of his career with Kansas City.

“If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with her teeth out,” joked the fiery third baseman.

His stats reflect greatness: a .305 batting average, 317 home runs, 1,595 RBIs, 3,154 hits, and 11 seasons batting over .300. He remains the only player to win batting titles in three decades — 1976, 1980, and 1990.

“I’d like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball,” Brett said.

More than numbers, Brett brought passion. “That’s what made him such a great player — that emotion,” said former teammate John Wathan.

Teammate Kevin Seitzer called Brett’s hustle “an inspiration” that helped shape his own career.

Upon his 1999 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Brett reflected with gratitude: “I have so much to be thankful for, and the people of Kansas City have made it possible for me.” It wasn’t just about baseball — it was about heart, loyalty, and the bond between a city and its hero. Passionate colors lives in every swing he gave them.