My Favorite Angel? A Discussion...

GA!

Right now – NAPS!

Couldn’t tell you why though

Jim Abbott

It was JT Snow for the longest time, and still is in a lot of ways—Lackey is truly irrational for me, for JT Snow is the first Halo who I REMEMBER seeing hit a long ball. It was sometime in the spring or summer of 1993, must’ve been, and I remember marvelling as it left the park, turning to my mom (I think) in awe and asking “who was THAT guy?” I could have sworn all he hit was homeruns, since that’s all I’d seen him hit thus far. Maybe he struck out later that game, who knows. Though I didn’t like baseball (much) at the time, I went on that fall to don a mini Angels uniform and go as the Snow for Halloween. Mmmboy.

Jim Abbott I kind of identified with when young since I had a bum or malformed/developed foot/leg—nowhere near as bad as a missing hand, though—and took inspiration from this guy with a much worse problem on his plate just going out there and dominating. Didn’t help TOO much with my confidence but you know, it was cool.

Lackey, again, is just Lackey.

Darin Erstad. I loved the guy.

but Howie is a very, very close 2nd, with Napoli gaining on the both of them.

loved the hustle and no nonsense of Darin Erstad. you could never pin down his intangibles but he always got the job done, and a guy you want on your team.
I would also say Wally joyner reminds me of my childhood

And this guy was striking everybody on the other team out

http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B05050CAL1972.htm

(Note who the opposing pitcher was, too – I had no idea about him at the time, either)

It’s been Nolan Ryan ever since, although Tim Salmon comes in a close second.

was my personal favorite. I also loved Erstad, one of the hardest working guys out there

Probably because his was the first Angels card I ever got.

Nowadays, it’s GA.

Wally Joyner was the first Angel that I followed even when he went to other teams. He had that sweet swing and was simply ridiculous in the field.

I loved seeing Langston pitch, that high leg kick, great pick off move.

Abbott for the story and the sheer determination. people talk about guys like Eck and Ersty as being such hard working players, and I believe they are, but take away their right hand and then we’ll talk about how they match up with what Jimmy Abbott had to do daily to become a big league pitcher.

At the age of 10 I started to really understand baseball, and really understand my team, and this statuesque looking baseball god type of man was just tearing up the AL in his rookie year. Timmy might be the reason that most halo fans of my generation love the angels. A quiet, unassuming kind of ball player that came to the park and played the game right. and I don’t think anyone could do the sliding catch that he always did as well as he did. It always seemed kinda goofy and kinda made you think out loud “safety first”

I’d love to be able to choose between all four of them, but I can’t, those four guys are the reasons why I follow the Angels as closely as I do.

a 3-run homer that brought me from sad (yet content they finally got into the series) to ecstatic, relieved and overjoyed.

I am now 27, just give everyone a time reference of players I know, but growing up, my favorite player, hands down, was Wally Joyner. I can’t say why exactly, except that he was a clean cut guy that I just latched on to as a kid. I met him at an autograph signing, and still have the hat and card he signed for me to this day. Later on in life, I grew to greatly admire Darren Erstad. The guy went all out, on every single play, often injuring himself in the process (much to my dismay, especially when in the outfield), he was one of the few pro ball players that I felt played all out simply because they loved the game and wanted to win…

B-Harv all the way.

He sort of embodied everything I have since come to expect from a closer—attitude, fastball, facial hair (or at least something—style, grimace—that makes more than just his pitches intimidating.) Percy and K-Rod were suitable followers.

Percy – grimace, 5 o’clock shadow, crazy fastball.

K-Rod- seriously arrogant celebrations, crazy fastball.

That’s why the superstitious part of me lacks faith in Fuentes and is worried about JoseA cutting his dreads. We’ll see…

I met him as a 10-year old and still remember the day I was watching some Sunday afternoon sports show when they cut in and said he had thrown a perfect game. I just jumped up and down like a fool with my best friend at the time (who also met him at the same meet/greet at JC Penny’s).

Anyway, I was stoked when he became a legit ace from 1984-1988 or so. He was pretty damn nasty and might have weighed 150 pounds soaking wet.

Also in the discussion:

Bob Boone (my dad knew him – so he gave us free tix back in the day), Todd Greene, Tim Salmon, Troy Glaus, Troy Percival, Mike Napoli, Casey Kotchman and Howie.

All true Angels in my mind.

The guy just played the game the right way….he was a constant professional and someone who never wanted the spotlight…..he just came to the ball park and did his thing….and did it quite well……There’s a reason he’s one of the top 5 all time Angels…..its because of the way he is as a person and the way he played the game.

Tim Salmon is my favorite Angel for life… I chose him when i was like 12 because I had the same name as him. As I got older, I realized that he was actually a sick player and one of the all time greatest Angels. My other favorite angel was Adam Kennedy. I was really sad to see him go. I visited a dive bar tonight and saw his angels jersey hanging on the wall. I pounded my chest with my fist and pointed to the sky in honor of his service to the halos.

i absolutely love guys who play the game like ersty did. uniform was never clean at the end of the game and would sacrifice his body just for an out.

 i was starting to become a huge kotchman fan, bought a shirt with his name on the back and a few weeks later hes traded.

as for current angels, i have to say hunter because he plays like erstad and he might be the funniest guy in baseball

2. Bobby Knoop
3. Paul Schaal
4. Dean Chance
5. Bob Lee
6. Jose Cardenal
7. Reggie Jackson
8. KRod
9. Lackey
10. Kennedy

Top ten. If I did it 10 times, the final five would be different.

On a side note, I am starting to get super stoked about the upcoming season. We might not have the biggest bats, but we are deeper than anyone else in talent. LET"S ROCK!

Probably in that order. Ks and dingers were what I wanted to see when I came to the Big A, and Finley and Davis always seemed to serve up plenty of both on my visits (with a smattering of comedy in the outfield when Davis was required to field). It seems that every time I remember going to watch a game there was some big name flailing helplessly at the big lefty – awesome pitcher.

Both seemed to me to be fairly cheery upbeat sorts, which doesn’t hurt.

And then there was Wally World. Joyner’s first couple of years were just a joy.

Among today’s players, it would be Kendrick (who I desperately want to show the world what he’s capable of) and Big John (no nonsense, gutsy pitcher)

Way to come back against the ugly and the bad.

Abreu will be a favorite this year.

He was the first Angel that I was like “That guy is my favorite player” … Hence I cannot risk cursing anyone else.

It was my first pennant chase and was excrutiating (they all are, yeah, but the first is the worst), then they were out of it and he was murdered and I turned 14 and wonder no more when I mock your posts whining that youa re not satisfied with division titles.

He still talks with Tom Osborne from time to time.

’70’s – Ken McMullen, got into an argument with the umpire at my first Angels’ game and I thought that was badass.
’70’s – Nolan Ryan, he was the man. (my oldest son is named Ryan)
’80’s – Bobby Grich, because I played 2nd base too
’80’s – Wally Joyner, should have been ROY in ‘86
’80 / 90’s – Kirk McCaskill, met him at Casa Maria after a game once…really nice guy.
’90’s – Chili Davis, just thought he was cool.
’90’s – Chuck Finley, I don’t know why.
’00’s – Tim Salmon, quiet strength
’00’s – Troy Percival, squatting down behind the mound getting pumped up.

As a parent of two young boys, I love it that I can always point him out to my sons and say watch the way he does it—not only in the way he plays, he is the most fundamentally correct player I have ever watched, but also in the way he seemed to conduct his life.

Jim Abbott and Chili Davis.

They made me love the Angels.

Luis was my man. No doubt about those 2.

and more recently howie kendrick

Why? Because that’s the way the game should be played and that’s the way I will teach my son to play the game….minus the half of can of Skoal tucked in his lower lip.

Nolan Ryan

The pornstache, the way he both turned and broke up double plays (like a linebacker), the insecure batting stance, the right-center swing … and the way the Angels contended from 1978-86 thanks in no small part to him. Also, he’s from Long Beach.

My “active” faves since then have been:
Dick Schofield (totally irrational)
Tim Salmon
Fluid (Howie, Naps, and probably now Brandon Wood).

I named my son Ryan after Nolan Ryan, He is my favorite athlete of all time.
I did however sit at Dennys with Rance Mulliniks after a game years ago. He was the most personal Angel Ive ever met.

I think because he wasn’t flashy or anything.

Also, I was a big fan of Hudler. I had a jersey made, which he signed.

I started getting into baseball in 1986, Joyner’s rookie year. I remember wanting his baseball card SO BADLY, yet I didn’t realize that he wouldn’t have one right away. We visited the local baseball card shop weekly, and I always came away disappointed. I had a poster of him up in my room up until I moved out of my parent’s house – when I was 25.

If anyone EVER finds a Joyner jersey, pleaaaaaaaaaaaaseeeee let me know…

austin5377 at aol dot com

Juan Rivera. You ask most 5-year-olds who watch the Angels who their favorite player is, and they’ll say “Big Vladdy!” But my son loves Johnny Rivers. I think it happened because I took him to a game when he was 3 (late 2006) and Rivera hit his 2nd homer in as many days. And then he got a Juan Rivera baseball card in the first pack I bought for him.

After Rivera’s Winter League injury, he spent part of the next year telling me that “Juan Rivera has a boo-boo on his leg.” When Rivera returned more-or-less fulltime towards the end of last season, he hit a 3-run blast at one of the games we attended.

When I told him that Rivera was going to be with the Angels for 3 more years, his immediate response was, “Yay! Juan Rivera!”

He has long been one of my favorite players regardless of team affiliation. I even called the Twins my second favorite team because of him for a long time. He just embodies everything I love about baseball on and off the field, and there’s no doubt that if he isn’t a fan favorite yet, he will be soon.

Figgy also holds a special place in my heart. In 2003 during a day game batting practice Desmond was signing autographs. I lifted up my shirt and asked him if he’d sign my stomach with a sharpie. He just looked at me with his crazy wide smile and said “you’re crazy man!” and walked away laughing. I have reveled in the moment ever since.

And as far as timeless Angels go, the one guy I’m always going to stand and applaud for regardless of the colors on his back, is David Eckstein. Can’t get enough of the Ecks factor.

cuz I’m a sucker for bloop singles.

I started following baseball when Wally was the premier player on the team in the late ’80’s, early ’90’s. I remember chanting “Wally! Wally!” at games when I was 6 years old. I had a Wally World poster up on my wall. I would listen to games on my Walkman when I was supposed to be sleeping, and I would try to make it through all the pop-ups of Howell, Schofield, Parrish, etc. until I could get back to Devon White, Wally, and Chili Davis at the top of the order.

Garrett Anderson/Darin Erstad/Tim Salmon are all very close for second place on my list.

He’s been my favorite since he was Rookie of the Year, and he’ll be my favorite until the day I die.

1979 on my 9th b-day my mom bought me my first angel jersey it was Carew

Davis Eckstein – For his unbound love of the game. Watching him play raises my level of happiness…sort of like getting a new puppy.
Brain Downing – Heart & soul. Willed himself to be a better player…and worked his ass off.
Darrin Erstad – Grit & determination. Similar to Downing but with more raw talent. You want his leadership on your team.
Fregosi/Knoop/Albie Pearson – Names & faces that will forever occupy a special place in my adolescent memories.
GA – For making the difficult look so easy…and for the bases-clearing double in game 7!
Gene Autry – For making all of this possible.
Arte Moreno – For being the best damn owner in baseball…maybe all of sports. We are so spoiled to have this man in charge of the Angels.

But, my all time #1 favorite Angel;
Nolan Ryan – Because he leaves me in awe in so many ways. It would take many pages to explain. But some examples;
Because I’d never heard a pitcher before or since grunt – loud enough to hear down the 3rd base line – when he threw a pitch…especially his fastball.
Because he was a power pitcher that lasted well into his 40’s, even throwing a no-hitter in his 40’s!
Because he set records that will last many life times (some maybe forever).
Because to hear him interviewed with the Texas drawl was Lackey-esque (without the semi-doofus part).
Because he smacked on Robin Ventura when he was in his 40’s.
Because even though he had success wildly beyond the reach of most mortals, he remained a likable, humble guy.

I discussed this along with one of our other posters (the Packers fan, don’t recall his name) when Boone’s name came up among top Angels. Boone was my favorite when I was living in PA and following the Phillies, and though I was a Mike Schmidt fan for as long as he played, Bob Boone was my favorite and my fandom went with him to California.

Of current Angels, I’m with those who like Kendrick, but I also really like Vladdy, Lackey, and Torii.

But we’re talking all-time favoritse – and for me it’s Boone.

im disappointed with the number of vlad nominations

simply put, my favorite baseball player of this era.

1979 AL MVP! He was clutch.

just thinking about him playing in the field gives me chills even now…never thought he was the best player, just the best to watch. loved that guy.

others include vlad guerrero (i was driving to work at 4am when 710 announced we signed him, just lost my mind with glee) and jim abbott.

The question was made simple: Who is your favorite Angel? Listing multiple names, or favorites by decade, or current vs old completely defeats the purpose of the post. If you have to make a list, then you don’t have an all time favorite! So, don’t post.

That being said, Erstad is my all-time favorite Angel. The image of him attempting to score with a nasty hammy injury, along with me leaning over the right field pavilion rail to witness my all-time favorite catch in October ‘02 are among the many reasons. And let’s not forget his home-run the night before, as it is often (and rightfully so) overshadowed by Spezio’s god-send.

The first Angels game I ever attended was a “Bat Night,” and I received a Rick Reichardt bat. I became a Reichardt fan on the spot. And I’ve been an Angels fan ever since—over 40 years now.

first person to wear an angel hat in the HOF (eventually). recognize.

I watched his first professional game in Idaho Falls sitting right behind Dick Sr. Later met him at Tiger Stadium when he came back to the Angels right before he retired. Great Guy, so was his dad.

Like the Rev, Lyman Bostock was my first favorite Angel, in the first year I followed the team.

Tim Salmon. Patient, great with fans, always upbeat, power and he is the image I have in my head from 02’. His stats don’t do him justice. I caught his 299th HR and was able to meet him, class act all around.
As a kid it was Brian Downing and his freakish Popeye arms.
Jim Abbott was always great to watch, he is the only player I’ve rooted for while wearing a Yankee uniform.

Tim Salmon, Darin Erstad, Chuck Finley, and now Howie Kendrick.

Howie’s gonna be something special, just got a feeling

Ryan, Tanana, Baylor, Grich, Downing, Lansford, Joyner, Salmon, GA, Chuck Finley, Erstad…I think Lackey is moving into the group as well

I thought he was bad ass when I saw my first Angels games when I was 6. I dressed as Reggie for Halloween that year, complete with a pair of cheap aviator sunglasses and the plastic Angels replica helmet.

Now, I have a hard time choosing among Percy, GA and Salmon as my all-time favorites. Given their rise from low times beginning immediately after the final out in 1995, they made 2002 that much more rewarding and have achieved sainthood in my book.

Current favorite Angel is Vlad. I love to watch a guy that genuinely loves to play the game like he’s a 12 year old kid, for better or worse. Looking forward to more grins in ’09 after many homeruns…

brandon wood

1. David Eckstein. Loved the guy, he always gave his all and was clutch like no other. He played the game right and I remember he would sign for a long time.

Also Bengie and Jose Molina. Odd ones but they would sign balls forever. They were also good but it was just their approach to the game.

Timmy Salmon for much of the same reasons. Great guy and he played the game right.

Chili Davis and Chuck Finley because they were Angels when I was getting into the game.

He will become alot of Angels Fans Favorite player in no time!!!!

For basically the same reasons as the other fellows here who chose him.

I was 10 years old in Wally’s rookie year. It was destiny.

My father’s company had 10th row seats directly behind home plate. We got to go to half a dozen plus Ryan pitched games a year. To hear that catchers mitt pop and the whinzing from the catcher was something else. I remember boston game where Ryan game up a infield single to Yaz in first inning and that was it!

1. in my heart. Jim Fregosi.

as a kid, Nolan and Carew.
these days, my man GA.

hudler