We are very saddened this afternoon to learn of Fred White’s passing due to complications from melanoma.  Fred spent 40 seasons in the Royals’ organization as an announcer, Director of Broadcast Services and the Royals Alumni.  He was a loyal friend to all of us in the front office.

Ewing Kauffman, left, with Fred White.

Fred White and Denny Matthews, broadcast partners on the Royals Radio Network from 1974-1998.

Fred White, right, with Denny Matthews.

The Royals today announced that an organization icon, Fred White, has announced his retirement after a stellar career as a broadcaster and most recently the Director of Broadcast Services and the Royals Alumni.  White has decided to step away from the organization due to recent health issues. White, an Illinois native who attended Eastern Illinois University, was a broadcasting staple in the Midwest highlighted by 25 years in the Royals’ radio booth.  A sports anchor at nearby WIBW-TV in Topeka, White was the voice of Kansas State athletics until he joined the Royals in 1973.  When not calling games for the Wildcats or the Royals, the popular announcer was the voice of the Big 8, later the Big 12, television network during basketball season, while also being summoned to work on the national stages of ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports and Turner Sports. After leaving the Royals broadcast booth, Fred kept his hand in the industry by heading up the Royals Radio Network, which has grown to one of the largest in all of baseball, as well as supervising the Royals Alumni, assisting with clinics, appearances and the Royals Fantasy Camp.