Favorite Angel of all time?

by wizzdiddly on Aug 30, 2007 10:19 AM PDT

Just out of curiosity I'm wondering who everyone's favorite Angel is of all time...

This doesn't need to be tied to stats or anything, but a story of why would be great to read while I'm sitting here at work doing nothing

I'm a young fan, so mine is Francisco Rodriguez. The main reason being the 2002 series...Seeing this young kid come out there and stare down people who were 5-6 years his elder with this look that would have made inmates cry was one of the greatest memories as a halo fan and something I still talk about today

Poll

When K Rod pitches and falls over with his follow through I'm thinking...

dear god please don't break your ankle

25 votes

that is awesome he just put that much velocity on that ball

6 votes

ha ha ha ha ha ha

14 votes

45 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

before becoming an announcer...

Hudler

I should be working right now...

by thrill000 on Aug 30, 2007 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

I also liked Gary DiSarcina

He did his job. That's why I liked him.

I should be working right now...

by thrill000 on Aug 30, 2007 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

DiSar

Also liked sanding down the bat handles of his teammates bats. Before games DiSar would sit at his rack with a bucket full of bats, and sand the handles down just the way his buddies wanted them.

If he hadn't broken his wrist in 1995, we would have won that pennant too.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions

1995...

very true

I should be working right now...

by thrill000 on Aug 30, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

brian downing...

he used to be a customer at our family business and my brother had collected all of his cards. his cards were never of great value but they meant a lot to my bro. well when he came in one day my brother nervously asked him if he could sign a couple of them. he eased my brothers nervousness and flipped through the folder laughing and making fun of himself from the old cards. we didn't have a good sharpie, so he took the folder home and brought them all back signed along w/a hat. good guy!

by thejd on Aug 30, 2007 10:28 AM PDT reply actions

Didn't Downing

wear shorts with the White Sox?

Class act all the way.

by eyespy on Aug 30, 2007 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

WALLY JOYNER

I was 9 years old when Wally played his incredible rookie season (1986). I guess that's around the age that most kids get into baseball, though I could never call myself a real fan until I was in my 20s. Zartan and Destro still seemed cooler to me than Wally Joyner when I was 9.

by Higz on Aug 30, 2007 10:53 AM PDT reply actions

Grich - duh

I was about 9 or 10 - I was just thinking about this yesterday because I realized I was older than I remember.

I went to a Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium and even though I didn't like the Dodgers, I waited outside the players gate for autographs.

One by one, the Dodgers walked by me - Scioscia, Pedro Guerrero, Fernando, Cey.
As I started crying, this guy comes up to me and asks why I was crying - I looked up and it was Grich.
Long story short, he took about 10-15 minutes to talk to me and gave me a signed cap.

That sealed the deal for him being my favorite player, the Angels being my favorite team and my hatred from the Dodgers.

"And the Anaheim Angels are the Champions of Baseball!"

by Grichfan on Aug 30, 2007 11:03 AM PDT reply actions

Now that you bring up the dodgers...

I hate them...

But in other news, my mom and dad have been divorced since I was 1 and I always thought about whether my mom took me to angels games to piss off my dad (dodgers fan) who was always trying to get me to wear dodger stuff or because they were closer to our house.

Either way, funny for me to think about

by wizzdiddly on Aug 30, 2007 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes she did...

;-)

by anaheimisnotla on Aug 30, 2007 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

that's a great story

by SactoFan on Aug 30, 2007 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Still has the best 'stache

of any all-time Angel, although I think Ron 'Papa Jack' Jackson had a pretty cool pimp stache back in the day.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions

i've heard of evil ways...

to get back at an ex but i think that is the best.

by thejd on Aug 30, 2007 11:21 AM PDT reply actions

brian downing

with Tim salmon second by only a split hair.

Final score: Angels 4 Giants 1 Angels 2002 World Series Champions!!!

by Halofanatic on Aug 30, 2007 11:27 AM PDT reply actions

Farah Fawcett

Tim Salmon, hands down

"Cheese and crackers he's good!" -- Rex Hudler, as heard on FSN

by PieceOfAase on Aug 30, 2007 11:43 AM PDT reply actions

Nolan Ryan

Seeing him pitch in person made it clear to me that I would never be good enough to hit anything coming that fast and that hard from that close. He saved me from a decade of fooling myself through high school and college and allowed me to just enjoy playing the game for what it would always be to me: fun. Too bad he didn't have access to these modern radar guns and their apparent, random, fudge factor.

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

Tough Question

I wept at the news of Gus Polidor's death so this subject is almost unassailable.

In terms of who would I just be dumbstruck to meet in person, Brian Downing, my childhood hero.

by Rev Halofan on Aug 30, 2007 12:29 PM PDT reply actions

Did you see him at the Big A the other week?

I meant to post a thread at the time, but the annual old-timers golf tournament thingie, where they introduce all the participants, was the first time I've even heard about him being at the stadium since he retired. It was awesome, and he got a very good ovation.

by mattwelch on Aug 30, 2007 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Freddie Patek

Who could ever forget the Freddie Patek/Bert Campaneris shortstop platoon of 1980...I think Patek was only about 5'5", 5'6" and he came out to our Little League fundraiser...got his autograph on my vintage Angels kids batting glove...who knows what happened to that...

A big FU to the A's and Red Sox....

by Crapper John MD on Aug 30, 2007 12:54 PM PDT reply actions

Nolan Ryan

Every greatd childhood Angels memory I have is connected to him. I named my son Ryan, hoping he would grow up with the character and work ethic of my baseball hero.

Fanatic since Fregosi

by Jangel7 on Aug 30, 2007 1:09 PM PDT reply actions

Nolan Ryan

every game was exciting.

by rbrianc on Aug 30, 2007 1:12 PM PDT reply actions

Wally Joyner

I was 9 and playing my first year of live pitching in 1986; I knew nothing about adults playing baseball as a job. Coach stuck me at first base (my only season there), called me Wally World and gave me Wally's rookie card. A few years later my dad took me to spring training in Palm Beach and I got Wally to sign that same card.

Second vote, Tim Salmon.

by SwimRun on Aug 30, 2007 1:29 PM PDT reply actions

Brian Downing

Without a doubt.

My favorite memories as a kid were going to Angels games with my Dad. He loved Brian Downing.

Everytime Downing would run out on the field my Dad would lean over and say, "Remember him. When the Angels retire his number, we'll be here to see it."

Well... Still waiting for the team to retire number 5 but Downing will always be my all-time favorite Angel.

by HeyLegacy on Aug 30, 2007 1:34 PM PDT reply actions

i love the responses...

downing, joyner, grich, salmon, ryan, patek. all players who played hard, honest and respected the game.

by thejd on Aug 30, 2007 1:36 PM PDT reply actions

Percival

I'm giving Figgins a big F U. Seattle isn't winning 90. I am not worried.

by hauldog on Aug 30, 2007 1:41 PM PDT reply actions

Luis Sanchez

i KNEW you'd all have that freaked out look on your faces!! LOL!

by SCHalo on Aug 30, 2007 2:07 PM PDT reply actions

I confess. I did.

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

It's either Chili Davis or Chuck Finley

Chuck Finley - just an enormous number of opposition batters being made to look quite silly by a giant mullet

Chili Davis - a superb combination of hard hitting and comedic defense (before he got banned from the outfield)

I see red people

by The Limey on Aug 30, 2007 2:38 PM PDT reply actions

Does Chuck get extra points...

for a stiletto stabbing in his face?

I should be working right now...

by thrill000 on Aug 31, 2007 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Nolan Ryan

He was my first personal hero, because of his work ethic and discipline. From watching him, I learned that talent is at most half the battle; more important is what you do with it. He was great, and had a long career, because of his discipline and hard work. Also, he gave a young Angel fan, marooned in a sea of Dodger fans up in the Crescenta Valley, reason to be proud of his team.

. . .and the young lions will lock horns!

by rspencer on Aug 30, 2007 2:45 PM PDT reply actions

How come nobody is saying Mark Gubicza?

That guy was good for tossing, on average, at least 1 strikeout per inning his entire Halo career.

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 2:47 PM PDT reply actions

It's a difficult question

because over the years you grow to like a lot of them. But at this point I'd have to say Rod Carew. My old man and me were at the game he got his 3,000th hit in 1985 and I was going away to college so it was father-son bonding time. Within 2 years the old man passed away from cancer and I'll remember that day as one of the best with him.

by SactoFan on Aug 30, 2007 2:54 PM PDT reply actions

Mike Scioscia

Championship!

by Wytelitning on Aug 30, 2007 3:27 PM PDT reply actions

Darin Erstad

Not so much for his stats....but for his grit. The guy is a freaking animal and I love the way he plays(ed) the game.

by autrys cowboys on Aug 30, 2007 4:24 PM PDT reply actions

Two ways to answer

Favorite Angel of all time: Garret Anderson, by FAR.

Favorite player of all time, who just-so-happened to play for the Angels at some point: J.T. Snow.

http://kotchatthebat.livejournal.com/

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Aug 30, 2007 4:49 PM PDT reply actions

Mine

Matt Wise
Mike James
David Eckstein
Mike Holtz
Pep Harris

by WiseAndEck on Aug 30, 2007 5:56 PM PDT reply actions

Such a tough question

Been an Angel fan so long that it is much easier to come up with a "didn't like for whatever reason" list, but here goes.

Favourites for whatever reasons:

All-time favourites:
Jim Fregosi (my first Halo hero)
Nolan Ryan
Doug DeCinces
Wally Joyner
Troy Percival

Sentimental list:
Jim Abbott
Ron 'Papa Jack' Jackson
Gary DiSarcina (despite being a chowd)
Adam Kennedy
Juan Beniquez
Tim Salmon

On current team, could make all-time faves or sentimental faves lists when retired or no longer an Angel:
Vladimir Guerrero (obviously, he's the best player we've ever had)
Desmond DeChone Figgins
Garret (one T) Anderson
Mike Scioscia

Honourary 'I shagged Mamie van Doren and shedloads of other broads but I never saw him play so you gotta love him' list:
Bo Belinsky.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 5:56 PM PDT reply actions

Nolan's the best we ever had

let's let Vlad finish his career and we can re-evaluate the 'best ever'. let's see if he sets some career records that no one will ever touch.

For now, he's the best hitter we've ever had.

by rbrianc on Aug 30, 2007 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions

As good as Vlad is 7 no hitters is ridiculous.

by melvintoast on Aug 30, 2007 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions

nolan

by yeswecan on Aug 30, 2007 6:37 PM PDT reply actions

HILLENBRAND/FINLEY/EDMONDS/VAUGHN

It's the kingfish. Hands down. After he handed me a ball circa 1993 then patted my head, I was sold.

by shiftyeyedgoat on Aug 30, 2007 6:53 PM PDT reply actions

What makes that moment weird...

is that you were 34 years old at the time.

by Higz on Aug 30, 2007 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions

All-time favorite

is Hall of Famer Rod Carew. I collected his BB cards, met him a few times around town, patterned my batting stance after his.

Second favorite Angel was Mark McLemore. Loved how he played, though he had some injury issues while he was young.

Newest favorite is G.A. He's not doggin it, he's easy like a ukulele on a beach.

I bleed Angel red

by squarefootnatlpark on Aug 30, 2007 7:31 PM PDT reply actions

Dude

I liked Mark McLemore too when he was an Angels rook, but then when he got old and went to the Aquamen he absolutely killed us.

No forgiveness for Mark McLemore.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions

"...a ukelele on the beach"

During a rock concert.

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Dude

I want a Red Moon Massacre tee-shirt.

That's pretty sweet.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions

That's request #2.

It's still too early to sense any groundswell of demand...

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

"ukelele on the beach" is awesome

by mattwelch on Aug 30, 2007 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Take a compliment when you can

big fella.

I like the rat. Nice touch.

Don't call me Desmond

by highlandhalo on Aug 30, 2007 8:21 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks

I am changing the image to one that is T-Shirt ready. Proper size and correct artwork so taht there are no copyright issues. You can use it yourself now at spreadshirt.com. What I am working on is text for the back of the shirt that would be the box scores (ReggieBullits' idea.)

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah. I just tested this new image version.

You can go to www.spreadshirt.com and build your own shirt, uploading this image file. Use the men's black t-shirt. This is sized correctly to fit on the shirt. Cost will be $23.90 plus shipping.

Just click on my sig and save the image to your computer. Then, from spreadshirt.com you can upload this image from your computer to the shirt. The moon is a photo from a friend of mine, taken this past week. All the text is mine. The rat is based on a freeware image, that I then took and redrew and then blurred to soften it.

I am still working on the box scores for the back. When done, I can create and post a complete product that anybody can go buy directly, in any quantity. Because there have been only two such requests, the box scores have not been a priority. But I can change that!

Remember the Red Moon Massacre!

by Stirrups on Aug 30, 2007 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions

GA!

Nuff Said!

by tmat on Aug 30, 2007 8:31 PM PDT reply actions

When I play softball... I try to play lazy

like GA.

by melvintoast on Aug 30, 2007 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions

laughed out loud at that one

by thewebb on Aug 30, 2007 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Rod Carew

Nothing better than seeing him and that silky smooth swing hitting one into the gap.

by Doctor Wu on Aug 30, 2007 8:46 PM PDT reply actions

Your poll sucks ass

I'm giving Figgins a big F U. Seattle isn't winning 90. I am not worried.

by hauldog on Aug 30, 2007 9:48 PM PDT reply actions

way too difficult

The 86 team will always be my first love even though I started following them in '82. You always remember that first chic that just ripped your heart out.

In the more recent era, I love(d) the guys that refused to be overwhelmed by the playoffs. (Glaus, Erstad, Frankie, Percy, Speez, etc)

by thewebb on Aug 30, 2007 9:55 PM PDT reply actions

Grich

Got off on a real bad foot for the Angels after having been the biggest-splash free agent signing before '77. Hurt his back lifting an air conditioner, played shortstop for a year to accommodate Jerry Remy (!) and basically had his worst two seasons at ages 28-29 after having signed a huge-for-the-time F.A. contract with the Angels. Then just kicked ass until he retired.

No one has ever turned two like him -- straight overhand, standing his ground like a linebacker playing quarterback, racking up the best DP stats this side of Mazeroski. Porn star 'stache, eye black, neurotic batting stance, great eye, and the best right-center power of any RH-hitting 2Bman in the history of the game.

by mattwelch on Aug 30, 2007 10:47 PM PDT reply actions

Oh

And the Angels' first great era -- 1978-1986 -- coincides perfectly with his tenure. It was all about him and Brian Downing, and much less about Carew, Baylor and Reggie.

by mattwelch on Aug 30, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Wally Joyner

Really started paying attention to baseball in the mid 80's (I was about 10) and it was all about Wally World.

What? Figgins is playing better? Well, I still don't like him.

by gorams77 on Aug 30, 2007 11:18 PM PDT reply actions

Brian Downing...

of course.

And his wacky open stance. I used to try to do it in Little League and the coaches just yelled at me. Never took an AB doing it, darn it.

The guns from hell when he was into weighlifting and his agressive efforts in the field were parts of his game that made me idolize him when I was a kid!

Quit yer whinin' and START CHEERING!

by Downing Rules on Aug 31, 2007 12:46 AM PDT reply actions

yup...

I loved his stance... did the same thing...

by the OC angels on Aug 31, 2007 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

Downing had a year

where he had a 1.000 fielding pct. or something damn near it. And I couldn't figure out for the life of me why he didn't win the Gold Glove that year.

I was convinced it was some kind of conspiracy, but I was just a kid and I didn't know anything about range or arm or putouts or assists.

Looking back, I don't think BD was really in the running for the GG.

I bleed Angel red

by squarefootnatlpark on Aug 31, 2007 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions