In 2004 Billy Butler was selected out of high school by the Kansas City Royals as the 14th overall pick in the first round of the draft and made his major league debut on May 1, 2007. During his rookie season, Butler batted .292 with eight home runs and 52 RBIs. In 2009, Butler boasted a .301 batting average, while surpassing 500 at bats for the first time in his career. He also led the Royals with a career high 93 RBIs and 51 doubles. Butler became one of only six players to hit at least 20 home runs and 50 doubles in a single season by the age of 23. In both 2009 and 2010, the Royals awarded Butler Player of the Year honors joining George Brett as the only back-to-back selections in franchise history.
Despite his desire to play on the field, Butler was relegated to full-time duty as the Royals designated hitter in 2011. Butler took this as an opportunity and developed into one of the most consistent and potent hitters in the American League. He finished the season with a .291 batting average, 44 doubles, 95 RBIs and 19 home runs.
Known for his performance on the field, Butler is also known for his selfless attitude off the field. In 2008, Butler and his wife Katie started the Hit-It-A-Ton campaign to help feed the hungry in the Kansas City area through the Bishop Sullivan Center. Through the program, $250 (the cost to purchase a ton of food) is donated for each home run Butler hits as well as $125 for each double. Through its first three years, the Hit-It-A-Ton campaign has raised more than $215,000 and provided more than 960 tons of food for those in need.
In 2011, the Butlers expanded their efforts with Billy’s Doubles Club for Kids. This new club is designed to expose young children to the life-changing power of charity and encourage them to make a difference in their community.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is honored to welcome and pay tribute to Billy Butler as the 47th annual Hutch Award winner.
