Initially disliked by fans because he displaced the popular Cookie Rojas at second base, White went on to set a major-league record, along with teammate George Brett, by appearing in 1,914 games together. The record stood until 1995, when it was broken by the Detroit Tigers' Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker. In 1980, White was the MVP of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, leading the Royals to their first World Series appearance.
A smooth fielder, White was a five-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove seven times, including consecutive seasons from 1977 to 1982. In 1977 he played 62 consecutive errorless games. Although he was a singles hitter early in his career, White hit 22 home runs two years in a row, in 1985 and 1986. Since the 1985 World Series was played without the designated hitter, White hit cleanup during that series, in place of Hal McRae. White retired in 1990 after 18 major-league seasons.
On May 2, 1995, the Royals retired White's number 20, and the same year he was inducted into the Royals' Hall of Fame.
After the end of White's playing career, he remained with the Royals' organization as a coach and minor-league manager.