1976 Hostess #8 - Al Fitzmorris

• Al Fitzmorris was an important member of the KC Royals' rotation for a few years in the mid 1970s
• Fitzmorris had a good year in 1974 (13-6, 2.79 ERA)
• He also had a good year in 1976 -- Al was 15-11 with a 3.06 ERA
• After the 1976 season Al was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the expansion draft
• Fitzmorris had the rare distinction of being drafted in two different expansion drafts. The Royals plucked Al from the Chicago White Sox in 1968.
• A few hours after he was taken by the Blue Jays, Fitzmorris was traded to the Cleveland Indians for Andy Ashby and Doug Howard
• Al got into Cleveland manager Frank Robinson's doghouse and the dispute helped lead to Robinson's dismissal. Fitzmorris took himself out of a game and said he had a sore arm. Frank wanted to fine him, but club management turned down the request for a fine.
• Al had a poor season in 1977 and was released by the Indians after pitching in seven games in 1978. The California Angels picked him up, but Fitzmorris left as a free agent after the season.
• Fitzmorris signed with the San Diego Padres in 1979 but didn't make the club.
• Before peak, peak, or after peak? peak