Al Fitzmorris, a former Kansas City Royals pitcher celebrated for his contributions both on and off the field, has died at the age of 78. Fitzmorris made his Major League debut with the Royals in 1969 and spent eight seasons with the team.

As he gets his first full season back from Tommy John surgery, Bubic will reportedly be used in the starting rotation.

Fitzmorris, a late-season call-up as a rookie in 1969, was part of the team’s inaugural season and was just getting started with the club. He spent eight of his 11 major league seasons with Kansas City.

He signed with the White Sox as a 20-year-old. The 6-foot-2 righty never had an opportunity to get to the big leagues with Chicago. The Royals plucked him away as they built their first team via the expansion draft.