:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66673374/149126_9606917Fr.0.jpg)
Bob Lee
Time with Angels: 1964-1966
Stats: 20-16, 1.99 ERA, 194 G, 370 IP, 246 SO, 167 ERA+, 3.19 FIP, 1.09 WHIP
Baseball Reference WAR: 9.6
FanGraphs WAR: 2.4
Combined WAR: 6.0
Though his time with the Angels was brief, Bob Lee is arguably one of the greatest relief pitchers in Angels history. He debuted with the Angels in 1964 at the age of 26, and left at the end of the 1966 campaign.
He made five starts his rookie season, but came out of the bullpen every other game. He finished 128 games games during his three seasons, including 58 saves. Out of all pitchers who have appeared in at least 194 games in Angels history, Lee’s ERA of 1.99 is the lowest.
Lee was great during his rookie season. He appeared in 64 games, and had a 1.51 ERA, the lowest in all of baseball. His ERA+ of 219 was also the best in the majors.
He was just as good the following season, as he was named an All-Star for the first time. He appeared in 69 games and posted a 1.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 175 ERA+. His 23 saves were also a career-high.
1966 was the worst year of the three for Lee, but still a really good season for a reliever. He appeared in 61 games, posting a 2.74 ERA. Though his strikeout numbers were down, he was walking fewer batters than ever before.
Lee is one of 31 pitchers in franchise history to appear in at least 194 games. Here’s where he ranks:
- 128 games finished (5th)
- 58 saves (5th)
- 1.99 ERA (1st)
- 3.19 FIP (8th)
- 167 ERA+ (2nd)