No. 89: Greatest Angels of All-Time: Randy Velarde

Randy Velarde

Time with Angels: 1996-1999

Stats: .288/.376/.427/.803, 27 HR, 128 RBI, 315 H, 55 2B, 168 R, 106 OPS+

Baseball Reference WAR: 6.7

FanGraphs WAR: 5.8

Combined WAR: 6.25

After nine seasons with the Yankees, Randy Velarde came over to the Angels in 1996. He had a pretty productive first year, hitting .285 with a .799 OPS. In addition, he also added 14 home runs and 54 RBI, as well as 151 hits, the most he’d have in a season with the Angels.

He was a much better hitter at home than on the road. At Angel Stadium, Velarde slashed .324/.398/.469/.867 with 89 hits in 71 total games. He got hot during the middle of summer, as there was a 40-game stretch from June 7 through August 3 where he hit .350 with an OPS of .866.

His 1997 season was non-existent, as he appeared in only one game.

His 1998 season was riddled with injuries too, as he appeared in only 51 games. Velarde hit .261 with an OPS of .779, so it was still a pretty productive season for him at the plate. He played two games in May, before missing the next two months. Velarde didn’t return until the beginning of August.

1999 would be Velarde’s final season with the Angels, and it might have been his overall best one. Though he only played in 95 games before being dealt to the Oakland A’s, he hit .306/.383/.439/.822. He hit nine homers, drove in 48 runs and even added 13 stolen bases as well.

Here’s where Velarde ranks among players in franchise history who played at least 280 games:

• .288 AVG (11th)
• .376 OBP (6th)
• .803 OPS (16th)
• 106 OPS+ (34th)

Also, this photo was in our Getty images search bar, I had to include it. What’s going on here? I’m not exactly sure.

Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images

Get caught up on the rest of the “All-Time Angels” lists!

• 100 Greatest Angels of All-Time
• 100 Greatest Seasons in Angels History