Which famous Kansas City Royals manager died at the age of 51 in 1987?

Dick Howser was the famous Kansas City Royals manager who died at age 51 in 1987.

Howser led the Royals from 1981 through 1986 and guided them to the franchise’s first World Series championship in 1985. Kansas City defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games, overcoming a 3–1 series deficit in one of baseball’s memorable comebacks.

Howser had also managed the New York Yankees and served as a coach and infielder during a long baseball career. A brain tumor forced him to step down as Royals manager during spring training in 1987. He died in Kansas City on June 17, 1987.

The Royals retired his No. 10 later that year, making it the first number retired in franchise history. His name also lives on through the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to college baseball’s outstanding player.