U. L. Washington (October 27, 1953 - March 2, 2024) was an American professional baseball player and coach. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1977 to 1987 for the Kansas City Royals, Montreal Expos, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington played mostly as a shortstop during his career, and was well known for having a toothpick in the corner of his mouth while on the field and at the plate.
Washington was born in Stringtown, Oklahoma, as one of 11 children born to Ora Lee and George Washington Jr. The U and L are not initials and are Washington's given legal name; he nonetheless signed his name with periods after the letters. Washington attended Stringtown High School, graduating in 1971. He attended the nearby Murray State College and played college baseball for the Murray State Racers for one year. He was inducted into the Murray State College Hall of Fame in 2016. He married Sandra Darlene (Dangerfield) on Friday, February 10th, 1978 at Atoka, OK. They celebrated 46 years of marriage
In 1989, the Pittsburgh Pirates hired Washington as the manager of the Welland Pirates in the New York-Penn League. Washington also coached and managed in the minor league organizations of the Royals (1991-98), Los Angeles Dodgers (1999), Minnesota Twins (2001-02), and Boston Red Sox (2003-14). Working for the Greenville Drive in 2013, Washington worked with Mookie Betts, helping him change his swing to become more of a power hitter.
UL loved hitting golf balls in the back yard with his grandson. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. UL did baseball camps for youth and celebrity golf tournaments all over the United States through major league baseball alumni. His presence will truly be missed and his memory we will always treasure.
U.L. is survived by his wife Sandra of the home, daughter Shawnté of Atoka, Oklahoma; son Chris Washington and wife Maurnita of Atoka, Oklahoma, five grandchildren: Dawnyel Anthony and husband Caleb of Atoka, twins D'Kari and Daryen Wrice and Christopher U.L. and Kingston Washington. Sisters Jean Green and husband Jimmy of McAlester, Oklahoma, Bernice Carter and husband Seaborn of Edmond, Oklahoma, brothers Harold Washington and wife Sondra of Moore, Oklahoma, Crandell Washington and wife Kim of Stringtown, Oklahoma, Curtis Washington of Atoka, Oklahoma, and Anthony Washington and wife Loise of McAlester, Oklahoma.
Preceding him in death were his parents George and Ora Lee Washington, sisters Betty Washington and Marvella Russell; brothers James and Joe Washington.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Saturday, March 9th, 2024
PLACE OF SERVICES: Atoka High School Gymnasium, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Rev. Anthony Washington
ASSISTING:        Christine (Miles) Harrison
CASKETBEARERS: DeWayne Dale, Mike Washington, Wayne Baker, RC Wrice, Brandon Nichols, Frank White, Jay Lewis, Jimmy Smith, Jeff Logan
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Steve Brown, Bob Eddings, David Bruce, Terry Green, Kevin Washington, Micah Washington, Derrick Washington, Robert Washington
FLOWER GIRLS:  Nancy Robinson, Loretta Smith, Allie Ray Gentry, Karlotta Swinger, Rae'ven Hollimon, Leann Nichols, Jewel Eddings, Emma Hill, Vivian Jackson
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS FRIDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK