#63 Joe Rudi, - OF

Career Stats

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.