LAS VEGAS -- Joe Gordon, the first member of the Baseball Hall of Fame's 2009 class, was the first manager in Royals franchise history.

Gordon, elected by the Veterans Committee on Monday for his play with the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians, managed the Royals in their inaugural season of 1969. The club finished fourth in the American League West Division with a 69-93 record, Gordon's only season with the Royals.

A power-hitting second baseman with great range in the field, Gordon was the only player elected among 10 nominated from the pre-1943 era. A nine-time All-Star, he received 10 of 12 votes by the committee.

No players were elected by a second Veterans Committee because none received the necessary 75 percent from the 64 living Hall of Famers. Outfielder Vada Pinson, who played for the Royals in 1974-75, received 12 votes (18.8 percent). He was the only ex-Royals player namong the 10 finalists.