He was a third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and the New York Yankees.

He is father to actress Kara Royster, who is best known for her recurring roles in TV shows Supernatural, Pretty Little Liars, Dynasty, and K.C.

After nine years with the Braves, Royster joined the San Diego Padres as a free agent.

Two weeks later the interim tag was removed but at the end of a disappointing 53–94 stint, he was fired.

Late in 2007, Royster was signed to manage the Lotte Giants in Busan, South Korea.