DOWNEY, Calif. -- Al Cowens, a former Major League Baseball outfielder who won a Gold Glove and batted .312 for the Kansas City Royals in 1977, has died. He was 50.

Cowens died of a heart attack March 11 at his home in this Los Angeles suburb, said his wife of 30 years, Velma.

The Los Angeles native emerged from the Kansas City Royals' farm system, making his big league debut with the team in 1974.

He batted .312 for the Royals in 1977, earned a Gold Glove for his defensive work in the outfield and finished second to Rod Carew in balloting that season for the American League's Most Valuable Player.

Cowens also played for the then-California Angels in 1980 and the Detroit Tigers for several seasons. He joined the Seattle Mariners in 1982, finishing his playing career there in 1986.

After his retirement, Cowens continued scouting players for the Royals, his wife said.

"He was a very nice family man who liked to spend time with his four grandchildren," she said. "I miss him a lot."

In addition to his wife and grandchildren, Cowens is survived by sons Purvis, Dante and Rayvon and a daughter, Trinetta.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Crusaders Temple Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles.