R.I.P. U.L. Washington, former Montreal Expo

Former Montreal Expos shortstop U.L. Washington has died at the age of 70.

March 3, 2024

By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

He was known for a toothpick dangling between his lips and he was a solid infielder.

U.L. Washington, who played for the Montreal Expos in 1985, has died at age 70.

He had been suffering from cancer and underwent recent surgery. His death was reported by several people on social media today.

Washington appeared in 68 games for the Expos in 1985, batting .249 with one homer and 17 RBIs. He was one of Montreal's highest paid players that season at $650,000, according to Baseball Almanac.

Washington had been acquired by the Expos from the Kansas City Royals for Ken Baker and Mike Kinnunen on Jan. 7, 1985 and missed out on the Royals' run to the World Series title that year.

Washington spent about seven seasons with the Royals in total. In 1982, he enjoyed career highs of a .286 batting average, 10 homers and 60 RBIs.

Washington also spent parts of two seasons with Pittsburgh. During his time with the Pirates' organization, he appeared in 73 games in triple-A with Vancouver in 1987, batting .238 with two homers and 21 RBIs.