Perci Time

Closer Troy Percival holds the team mark with 316 career saves in 10 seasons while with the Halos, converting more than 86% of his save opportunities. He came up with the Angels in 1995 and became the regular closer in 1996 replacing another great closer Lee Smith. Percival would have 36 saves that season. What not many people know is he was drafted by the Angels in 1990 as a catcher. The switch from behind the plate to the mound came when coaches started noticing he threw the ball harder back to the mound then it was coming in. Perci was a four time All-Star and a World Series champion.

Innings Eater

Chuck Finley is the Angels' all-time leader in innings pitched with 2,675. Surprisingly, he has none of the Angels' top-10 seasons in terms of innings pitched; he barely cracked the top-20. Here is the list of the top 10 innings pitched seasons in Angels history. You will notice a trend with Nolan Ryan. Also you will see some of them did it as teammates

1. Nolan Ryan                   332.2            1974
2. Nolan Ryan                   326.0            1973
3. Bill Singer                     315.2           1973
4. Nolan Ryan                   299.0            1977
5. Frank Tanana                288.1            1976
6. Nolan Ryan                   284.1            1976
7. Nolan Ryan                   284.0            1976
8. Dean Chance                 278.1            1964
9. Alex Messersmith         276.2            1971
9. Clyde Wright                 276.2            1971

18. Mark Langston            256.1            1993
19. Chuck Finley               251.1            1993

Palm Springs Training

Before moving Spring Training to Tempe Arizona in 1993, the primary home for the Angels during the pre-season was in Palm Springs at Palm Springs Stadium. Originally a polo ground built in 1949, the field would host Pacific Coast League baseball games through the 50's and into the 60's.  The Palm Springs Angels would use it as their home in the Class-A California League from 1986-93. Why Palm Springs you ask? Well that is where Gene Autry lived and he wanted his team close to him. He purchased the polo ground area and build a 5,000 seat stadium inside. The Angels would eventually move from California to Arizona since they were the only ones left in the golden state. But for 32 years, local fans got to see their favorite Angels close to home as they prepared for the season. The move to Tempe Diablo Stadium wasn't much of an upgrade for a while besides the amount of space. A stadium that was built in 1968 was home to the Seattle Mariners until the Angels came in. It needed upgrades and it wasn't until 2006 when $20 million worth of renovations was put in. Now its one of the nicest facilities in the Cactus League.

2010 ASG

In the 2010 MLB All-Star Game, the National League broke a 13-year skid by defeating the American League 3-1. There were a few new ASG rules that were implemented, although they might not have been noticed. Rosters were expanded to 34, a DH would become a fixture for both teams for all future games, and re-entries were allowed. An Angels favorite, Rod Carew threw out the first pitch. Long time Yankee owner George Steinbrenner past away early that morning.

1989 All-Star Game

In the 1989 All-Star Game, Bo Jackson awed the baseball world with his towering 448 foot home run to lead off the bottom of the first. Wade Boggs followed with his own solo shot. This would be the first time the top two batters in the lineup had opened an All Star Game up with back-to-back home runs. The pitcher was Rick Reuschel of the Giants. Angel Jimmie Reese threw out the first pitch, Chuck Finley made his first ASG, and Nolan Ryan was the winning pitcher, but wearing a Texas Rangers uniform. The American League won 5-3 and Bo took home the MVP.

Fastest with wings

Desmond DeChone Figgins holds the record for most stolen bases by an Angel with 280 during his eight seasons. Figgy had his most productive year in 2005 where he stole a league leading 62 bags while also hitting .290. In 158 games he had a career high 186 hits and 25 doubles. It was a scrappy bunch with Figgy, Darin Erstad, Orlando Cabrera, Maicer Izturis, and Adam Kennedy protecting Vladimir Guerrero. The Angels would win the West with 95 wins but lose to the White Sox in the Championship Series. Bartolo Colon won the Cy Young with a 21-8 record.

Jim Fregosi 1942-2014

One of the best defensive middle infielders in the 1960's with the Angels, Fregosi was a 6-time all-star and a gold glove winner during his tenure under the Big A. As a manager, he coached the Angels to their first division title in 1979 along with players Rod Carew and Nolan Ryan. His #11 will always be in view at Angel Stadium. Today we say goodbye to an original Angel.