The Los Angeles/California/Anaheim Angels have played almost 60 seasons of baseball. As the baseball world is suspended due to circumstances outside its control, it is time to look back at the history of this organization. There have been many talented players to put on the uniform, and we at Crashing the Pearly Gates wish to highlight the best who have ever represented the Angels. Without further ado, here we go!
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#82 – Mark Trumbo
Trumbo hit Trumbombs for the Halos in the early 2010’s. He played first base well and the runner up AL ROY in 2011. Drafted in 2004, he worked his way into the Angels lineup with power and awe. Trumbo put on a show at the Home run Derby in KC and he even made the team that year in 2012.
While his stay was relatively short lasting from 2010-2013 and 460 games, he amazed with 95 home runs. That is 20th in Angels history and 5th best AB per HR ratio at 18.1. In just 3 seasons! (2010 he played 8 games)
He has the 20th best OPS+ at 114, tied with Reggie Jackson. The .469 Slugging is tied for 9th with GA. 181 extra base hits is 28th in Angels history. He had back to back 30 home run seasons, there are only 8 Angels with 2 seasons of 30 home runs period and he hit 29 in his first full season as well.
Mark Trumbo was the first Home Run partner of Mike Trout, and his legacy of being the older member of TNT is what he is most remembered and beloved for. There have been players since that have hit home runs for the Angels, but Mark Trumbo was certainly something special.
I know Arte Moreno was looking for some star power to help sell tickets, but the signing of Pujols was frustrating for me because the team needed pitching, and it already had above average players in Trumbo and Kendry(s) Morales to fill the 1B/DH roles. But then again, I feel that Pujols has been a pretty good player for most of his Angel tenure. His power numbers are terrific, he knows how to drive in runs, and his defense has been very good. Plus, he has added value for being a mentor to Mike Trout.
If Pujols contact means Trout is TROUT and not trout, I say it is worth it.
Hamilton on the other hand…
Yeah, definitely. Echo the sentiment above, wish Trumbo could’ve taken to third base. Alas, but no.
Only true fans remember the Trumbo at third experiment. Was always hoping for him to be more. Sad he’s been injury plagued since he left.
If that worked…I was excited for the lineup to be so dynamic. Also loved his HR Derby performance.
Really wished it worked out but, he was so lost there
One of my favorite Trumbo memories is that he was at 3rd for Weaver’s no hitter. He even had to make a pretty tricky play on a slow roller up the line to preserve it.