Former Pirates Shortstop U.L. Washington Dies at 70

Longtime major-league shortstop U.L. Washington, who finished his 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has died at 70 of cancer.

Washington played in 82 games combined for the Pirates during the 1986-87 seasons. He retired after finishing 1987 with the Pirates’ Triple-A farm club in Vancouver.

Noted for playing with a toothpick in his mouth, Washington played his first eight seasons with the Kansas City Royals (1977-84). He also had a one-year stint with the Montreal Expos in 1985.

Washington hit .252/.313/.343 in 907 career games with 27 home runs and 132 RBIs.