The 100 Greatest Angels - #63, Joe Rudi

by Rev Halofan on Dec 24, 2005 7:16 PM PST in Top 100 Angels (2005)

#63 Joe Rudi, - OF

Joe Rudi's name pops up often in a list of the Top 50 Angel franchise offensive stats:
183 runs, 612 total bases, 68 doubles,
57 HR, 246 RBI, 180 RC (Runs Created), 132 XBH (Extra Base Hits).
All of these were compiled in a mere 1,568 Plate Appearances, as Joe spent many days on the disabled list during his 4 years with the Angels.

He ranks a little higher than he might, though, for one distinction. By 1976, Joe Rudi was a superstar. He had led the A's to three consecutive World Championships and had finished 2nd in the A.L. MVP voting twice. On November 17, 1976 he became the first high profile free agent singing in club history. One week later, Bobby Grich signed and the electricity in the air began a ten-year boom-bust cycle of million dollar signings, blockbuster trades and three American League West titles. Gene Autry was serious about winning. Joe Rudi was the proof.

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Now we are getting somewhere

What memories! How many times did my friends and I sit in the stands chanting, "Ru-di, Ru-di?" This was certainly the first Golden Era of Angels baseball. Here's a Rudi story:

My friend Duane and I were waiting at the exit where the Angel players drove out so we might score an autograph. Rudi pulled up and the crowd was begging him to sign a few, but he drove on. Undaunted, my friend and I sprinted after him and were able keep up with the vehicle because he had to navigate the parking lot cones and we could run in a straight course. We had run quite a distance and come even with his car when he rewarded our efforts by stopping and signing. I guess since he was safely away from the rest of the crowd he could afford to stop for the two of us.

FYI, Rudi is back here in his hometown of Modesto selling real estate (it's weird seeing his picture and name on a yard sign) and giving private hitting lessons at a baseball complex not far from my home.

Nolan Ryan for president!

by Dodger Hater on Dec 24, 2005 9:43 PM PST reply actions