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!
——————————————————————————————————
Devon White played a sterling outfield for the Angels from 1985-1990. His first two seasons were really just cups of tea, as he combined for only 58 ABs in ’85 and ’86. However, in 1987, White broke through, playing 159 games, slashing .263/.306/.443/.749, and accumulating a whopping 5.6 bWAR (a huge chunk of it defensively), which helped him finish 5th in the AL Rookie of the Year voting (Mark McGwire won the award).
White backed up the strong start to his career with two Gold Glove campaigns in 1988 and 1989 and was an All-Star in the latter year. White’s performance dipped during the 1990 season, and he was shipped off to Toronto. He stole 123 bases during his tenure with the Angels.
While White was never the world’s greatest hitter, his defensive prowess allowed him to accumulate 15.3 bWAR over his tenure with the Angels. He never had an OPS+ above 100 with the club, although that soon changed in his first season with Toronto. White would go on to win three World Series, including two with the Blue Jays and one with the Florida Marlins. He cemented himself in baseball lore by making one of the greatest catches in World Series history.
Loved watching Devo roam the outfield. He’s the first guy I really remember in center field for the halos. This was my baseball card collecting prime and I remember having his.
Had there been replay, Sanders would’ve been called out.
I think Devo should be # 33. Kole was #34, so….
You’re right, thanks!