Top 100 Angels: #54 Don Aase

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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Drafted in the sixth round of the 1972 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox, Aase finally made it up to the big leagues in 1977, winning his first game against the Brewers. In true trAdition, Aase threw a shutout against the California Angels five days later, finishing the season with a stellar 3.12 ERA.

The Angels acquired him in the winter for Jerry Remy (who also checks in on our list). Aase’s first three seasons saw him make 78 starts (106 appearances), notching 11 wins in 1978.

In game 3 of the 1979 ALCS against the Orioles, Aase relieved Frank Tanana in the sixth inning, recording the victory even though he surrendered the lead in the sixth and seventh innings.

The Angels converted him to relief following the 1980 season, and Aase saved 15 games before blowing out his elbow the summer of 1982.

Aase recovered and went on to become a terrific closer with the Baltimore Orioles, signing with them in free agency. In 1986, he made the AL All-Star team, saving 23 games in the first half.

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RexFregosi
Super Member
4 years ago

geez, could have used him the the post season in 1982 and 1986.

Remember him as being just below an All Star level as a starter. That’s a good piece of trivia as him being the first winner of a post season game in Angel history.

Jeff Joiner
Editor
Legend
4 years ago

Two top 100 guys traded for each other. Pretty cool.

Have to assume Aase is the first name alphabetically