Cedric Tallis

Inducted 2024

General Manager 1968-1974

As a baseball architect, developer, and builder, Cedric Tallis helped the expansion Royals become Kansas City¡¯s team. His influence was key in all things from the look of uniforms to the design of Royals Stadium. Tallis molded the club into the most successful expansion franchise of the era, including a winning record in year three after which he was named 1971 MLB Executive of the Year. In an astonishing series of early trades, Tallis acquired five Royals Hall of Famers while the player development team he assembled signed six more. That incredible foundation, put together under Tallis¡¯ leadership, eventually delivered multiple championships to Kansas City.

POSITION: General Manager

NOTES: Tallis served as the Royals first General Manager from 1968 to 1974. He came to the expansion Royals from the California Angels where he worked as Assistant General Manager and later Business Manager from that club inception in 1961.

His baseball career started in the minor leagues as the General Manager of the Double-A Birmingham Barons and later the Triple-A Vancouver Mounties and Seattle Rainers. Following his years with the Royals he later served as General Manger of the New York Yankees from 1978 to 1979.

Prior to his career in baseball Tallis served in the United States Army during and after World War II. He was recalled and served two more years during the Korean War leaving the service with the rank of Major.