Frank White out of Royals TV broadcasting booth

Frank White, the Royals Hall of Fame second baseman, will no longer take part in Royals television broadcasts during the upcoming season in 2012. The Royals and Fox Sports Kansas City announced today that White's contract would not be renewed for 2012. In addition, the contract of producer Kevin Shank was also not renewed.

“Fox Sports Kansas City and the Kansas City Royals appreciate Frank White stepping into a larger role as game analyst the last three seasons," the Royals and FSKC said in a statement. "He shifted from a planned part-time role to a near full-time role and performed admirably in the booth at a time of need."

White, a Kansas City native who won eight Gold Gloves and helped the Royals to the 1985 World Series championship, began working in a more full-time television role in 2009 after former broadcaster Paul Splittorff, who died this year, began suffering health issues. White continued to work in the booth for the following three seasons.

White previously resigned as a full-time employee of the Royals organization in January. Despite a public split, he appeared at spring training and was still a visible face in and around Kauffman Stadium while serving as the color commentator for Ryan Lefebvre on Fox Sports KC broadcasts.

"We also want to thank Kevin Shank for his years of leadership as producer of Royals telecasts," the statement continued. "FOX Sports Kansas City has decided to go in a different direction with these positions next year. A search for their replacements will begin immediately."

This story was originally published December 2, 2011 at 9:54 AM with the headline "Frank White out of Royals TV broadcasting booth."