Paul Splittorff, who entertained generations of Kansas Citians first as a durable lefty pitcher and then as an insightful and respected broadcaster, died Wednesday morning after a battle with oral cancer and melanoma.

He was 64.

"The Kansas City Royals are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Royals' Hall of Fame pitcher and broadcaster Paul Splittorff due to complications from melanoma," a statement from the team said. "The all-time winningest pitcher in franchise history passed away this morning at the family home in Blue Springs, Mo."

How you appreciated “Splitt” depended on your entry point in his career.

To younger fans, Splittorff served behind the microphone as a voice and conscience of Royals teams that knew mostly woeful times.

For veteran Royals watchers, Splittorff was the lanky lefty who couldn’t light up the radar gun with his fastball but fooled enough hitters in his 15 years to become the club’s career leader in victories with 166.

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011…..z1NNJYth9p