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1975 Topps #500 Nolan Ryan
1985 Topps Tiffany #220 Fred Lynn
Congratulations to the 2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim- winners of the ALDS against our common enemy, the New York Yankees! The Angels got hosed by
an umpire in Game 2 of the ALCS vs. Chicago but it is nice to see two teams who don't have the highest payrolls in contention for a World Series berth. Though I
am a Red Sox fan and even a Dodger fan, I do have a spot in my heart for the Angels. If they didn't reside in Anaheim, I would like them even more but Orange
County is home of the nerdy white man and it is downright SCARY going anywhere in Orange County. It is NOT Los Angeles and actually Orange County was
named for it's orange groves which no longer exist thanks to the overpopulation of California. However the Angels have had some great players since their first
year (1961) and this page will feature some of these great, and not so great players who have at one time or another played for one of the Angels teams. Enjoy!
an umpire in Game 2 of the ALCS vs. Chicago but it is nice to see two teams who don't have the highest payrolls in contention for a World Series berth. Though I
am a Red Sox fan and even a Dodger fan, I do have a spot in my heart for the Angels. If they didn't reside in Anaheim, I would like them even more but Orange
County is home of the nerdy white man and it is downright SCARY going anywhere in Orange County. It is NOT Los Angeles and actually Orange County was
named for it's orange groves which no longer exist thanks to the overpopulation of California. However the Angels have had some great players since their first
year (1961) and this page will feature some of these great, and not so great players who have at one time or another played for one of the Angels teams. Enjoy!
Jimmy Piersall was one of the most colorful ballplayers and is mostly known for his great fielding and antics
as a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1950-1958. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Washington
Senators, New York Mets, and both the Los Angeles and California Angels (1963-1967). Check out the cap
he is wearing on this 1966 Topps card. There is actually a "halo" on the top of these early Angel caps. This
card is one of Piersall's last as an active player. His last card is 1967 Topps #584. Both the 1966 and 1967
Topps Jim Piersall cards were issued in the high numbered series (the '66 card is also a short print) so they
are somewhat tougher than most of his other issues. The 1966 Topps #565 Piersall lists for $25.00 in NM
condition, while the 1967 Topps #584 lists for $20.
as a member of the Boston Red Sox from 1950-1958. He also played for the Cleveland Indians, Washington
Senators, New York Mets, and both the Los Angeles and California Angels (1963-1967). Check out the cap
he is wearing on this 1966 Topps card. There is actually a "halo" on the top of these early Angel caps. This
card is one of Piersall's last as an active player. His last card is 1967 Topps #584. Both the 1966 and 1967
Topps Jim Piersall cards were issued in the high numbered series (the '66 card is also a short print) so they
are somewhat tougher than most of his other issues. The 1966 Topps #565 Piersall lists for $25.00 in NM
condition, while the 1967 Topps #584 lists for $20.
1966 Topps #565 Jimmy Piersall
Dean Chance was a member of the original Los Angeles Angels whose first year was 1961. Chance
was also one of the Angels' first stars. In only his second big league season (1962) Chance won 14
games, pitched 206 innings and had a nifty 2.96 ERA. He was even better in 1964, winning 20, losing
only 9, striking out 207 with a microscopic 1.65 ERA; stats that earned him the Cy Young Award,
topping Larry Jackson and Sandy Koufax (this was before MLB went to a Cy Young award in each
league). Dean Chance won a total of 74 games as an Angel in only 5 seasons (he actually pitched a
total of 18 innings in 1961 so I didn't count that year). He later went on to win 20 games for the 1967
Minnesota Twins and finished his 11 year career with 128 wins, 115 losses and a fine 2.92 ERA. This
is Chance's first baseball card; check out the "LA" logo on his cap. The Angels did play in Los
Angeles at first. They played at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in 1961, then played four seasons at
Dodger Stadium until the "Big A" was built in 1966.
The 1962 Topps #194 Dean Chance card to the right is one of two different variations; this is the
"green tint" variation. The "green tint" variations are somewhat scarcer, hence they usually bring a
modest premium.
was also one of the Angels' first stars. In only his second big league season (1962) Chance won 14
games, pitched 206 innings and had a nifty 2.96 ERA. He was even better in 1964, winning 20, losing
only 9, striking out 207 with a microscopic 1.65 ERA; stats that earned him the Cy Young Award,
topping Larry Jackson and Sandy Koufax (this was before MLB went to a Cy Young award in each
league). Dean Chance won a total of 74 games as an Angel in only 5 seasons (he actually pitched a
total of 18 innings in 1961 so I didn't count that year). He later went on to win 20 games for the 1967
Minnesota Twins and finished his 11 year career with 128 wins, 115 losses and a fine 2.92 ERA. This
is Chance's first baseball card; check out the "LA" logo on his cap. The Angels did play in Los
Angeles at first. They played at old Wrigley Field in Los Angeles in 1961, then played four seasons at
Dodger Stadium until the "Big A" was built in 1966.
The 1962 Topps #194 Dean Chance card to the right is one of two different variations; this is the
"green tint" variation. The "green tint" variations are somewhat scarcer, hence they usually bring a
modest premium.
1962 Topps #194 Dean Chance RC
Tony Conigliaro is another Red Sox that later became an Angel. Of course Tony C gained fame
in Boston as a slugger; he won the AL Home Run Crown in only his second season and in 1967
became the youngest player to reach 100 career home runs. Tony was going great guns that year
and headed for a career year when he was seriously beaned by a Jack Hamilton fastball. It's ironic
that Hamilton pitched for the Angels as by the time Conigliaro was traded to the Angels in 1971, his
career was already over. The damage to his eyesight worsened as a result of the beaning and Tony
C was essentially finished by the time he reached the Angels. He appeared in only 74 games that
year hitting just 4 home runs and batting a paltry .222. This from a hitter who averaged 31 home
runs and 95 RBIs over a 162 game schedule during his career. Tony Conigliaro retired after his
only season with the Angels but did attempt a comeback in 1975 with his old team the Boston Red
Sox. He hit two home runs on Opening Day that year but that was to be his last hurrah. He retired
after 21 games hitting just .123. A really sad story. This is his last appearance on a bubble gum
card as an active player. For more on Tony Conigliaro please see our Tony C Page!
in Boston as a slugger; he won the AL Home Run Crown in only his second season and in 1967
became the youngest player to reach 100 career home runs. Tony was going great guns that year
and headed for a career year when he was seriously beaned by a Jack Hamilton fastball. It's ironic
that Hamilton pitched for the Angels as by the time Conigliaro was traded to the Angels in 1971, his
career was already over. The damage to his eyesight worsened as a result of the beaning and Tony
C was essentially finished by the time he reached the Angels. He appeared in only 74 games that
year hitting just 4 home runs and batting a paltry .222. This from a hitter who averaged 31 home
runs and 95 RBIs over a 162 game schedule during his career. Tony Conigliaro retired after his
only season with the Angels but did attempt a comeback in 1975 with his old team the Boston Red
Sox. He hit two home runs on Opening Day that year but that was to be his last hurrah. He retired
after 21 games hitting just .123. A really sad story. This is his last appearance on a bubble gum
card as an active player. For more on Tony Conigliaro please see our Tony C Page!
1971 Topps #105 Tony Conigliaro
Probably the most famous of ALL Angels was the great Nolan Ryan. Ryan always had the potential; as a New York Met
his strikeouts were always more than innings pitched. However he was wild and the Mets gave up on him prematurely. In
1972 he was traded to the California Angels for Angel star Jim Fregosi and at the time probably New York thought they
got the better of the deal. They quickly learned they made a BIG mistake. In Ryan's first year as an Angel he won 19
games, completed 20, pitched 284 innings, struck out 329 batters and fashioned a nifty 2.28 ERA. In 1973 he won 21
games, completed 26 games, pitched 326 innings, set the all-time season strike out record of 383, and again had a
respectable ERA of 2.87, AND had threw his first two no-hitters! In 1974 he won 22 games, had 26 complete games
AGAIN, struck out 367 batters had a 2.89 ERA, and threw another no-hitter. But did he win the Cy Young Award for any
of those seasons? NO! Ryan was robbed. But he quickly became a fan favorite in Anaheim and I remember as a kid
every time Ryan pitched there was a legitimate possibility that he would throw a no-hitter. Why not, he threw 4 no-no's in
only 3 seasons as an Angel. Of course he later threw another with the Astros and 2 more as a member of the Texas
Rangers. But it was as an Angel that Ryan put it all together. The Angels really screwed up letting Ryan go after the
1979 season. Angel GM Buzzie Buvasi said that they could replace Ryan with two .500 pitchers and Ryan signed as a
free agent with Houston. What a major boner by the Angels. Buvasi later stated he made a grave mistake and well the
rest is history. Ryan was the last Angel pitcher to win 20 games until this very year (2005) when Bartolo Colon won 21.
Did I mention Ryan is the all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 career whiffs? This record in all likelyhood will NEVER be
broken. The greatest strikeout and low-hit pitcher of all-time.
his strikeouts were always more than innings pitched. However he was wild and the Mets gave up on him prematurely. In
1972 he was traded to the California Angels for Angel star Jim Fregosi and at the time probably New York thought they
got the better of the deal. They quickly learned they made a BIG mistake. In Ryan's first year as an Angel he won 19
games, completed 20, pitched 284 innings, struck out 329 batters and fashioned a nifty 2.28 ERA. In 1973 he won 21
games, completed 26 games, pitched 326 innings, set the all-time season strike out record of 383, and again had a
respectable ERA of 2.87, AND had threw his first two no-hitters! In 1974 he won 22 games, had 26 complete games
AGAIN, struck out 367 batters had a 2.89 ERA, and threw another no-hitter. But did he win the Cy Young Award for any
of those seasons? NO! Ryan was robbed. But he quickly became a fan favorite in Anaheim and I remember as a kid
every time Ryan pitched there was a legitimate possibility that he would throw a no-hitter. Why not, he threw 4 no-no's in
only 3 seasons as an Angel. Of course he later threw another with the Astros and 2 more as a member of the Texas
Rangers. But it was as an Angel that Ryan put it all together. The Angels really screwed up letting Ryan go after the
1979 season. Angel GM Buzzie Buvasi said that they could replace Ryan with two .500 pitchers and Ryan signed as a
free agent with Houston. What a major boner by the Angels. Buvasi later stated he made a grave mistake and well the
rest is history. Ryan was the last Angel pitcher to win 20 games until this very year (2005) when Bartolo Colon won 21.
Did I mention Ryan is the all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 career whiffs? This record in all likelyhood will NEVER be
broken. The greatest strikeout and low-hit pitcher of all-time.
1974 Topps #20 Nolan Ryan
Chuck Connors, aka. "The Rifleman." I had this card on the Dodgers Page but decided to
move it here. A lot of people don't know that Chuck Connors played briefly for the Brooklyn
Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was also a star for the Pacific Coast League Los Angeles
Angels, but imagine how tough it would have been to replace Gil Hodges at first base for the
Dodgers. I guess that's why Chuck chose acting and he will always be remembered for his role
as "Lucas McCain" in the hit television series "THE RIFLEMAN" in the 1950's through early
1960's. What's interesting is that Duke Snider, Hall Of Fame outfielder for the Dodgers, got a
bit role as a bad-guy in one of the episodes. Baseball was very good to the Duke, and acting
turned out very well for Chuck Conners. This is one very tough card of Connors, issued in bags
of Mother's Cookies in 1952. For more on Chuck Connors check out The Chuck Connors Page
move it here. A lot of people don't know that Chuck Connors played briefly for the Brooklyn
Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. He was also a star for the Pacific Coast League Los Angeles
Angels, but imagine how tough it would have been to replace Gil Hodges at first base for the
Dodgers. I guess that's why Chuck chose acting and he will always be remembered for his role
as "Lucas McCain" in the hit television series "THE RIFLEMAN" in the 1950's through early
1960's. What's interesting is that Duke Snider, Hall Of Fame outfielder for the Dodgers, got a
bit role as a bad-guy in one of the episodes. Baseball was very good to the Duke, and acting
turned out very well for Chuck Conners. This is one very tough card of Connors, issued in bags
of Mother's Cookies in 1952. For more on Chuck Connors check out The Chuck Connors Page
1952 Mother's Cookies PCL #4 Chuck
Connors
Connors
Fred Lynn had a lot of great moments; Rookie of the Year AND American League Most Valuable
Player (1975), hitting 3 HRs in a game with 10 RBIs (1975), World Series Home Run (1975), AL
Batting Champ (1979), ALCS MVP (1982, with Angels), not to mention his stellar Gold Glove
work in centerfield (if you used to watch TWIB during the 1970s-1980s, chances are you would
see an amazing Fred Lynn catch). But if you ask Fred Lynn what his favorite baseball moment
was (and he told me this in an interview for Fredlynn.net) it would be his Grand Slam HR in the
1983 All-Star Game at old Comisky Park. At the time the American League had lost several
straight games to the National League. Back then the players really took pride in beating the
rival league. The games would really mean something. Now they are just love-fests even though
MLB says that "Now they mean something." Back to the '83 contest, up to that point no one in
All-Star Game history had EVER hit a Grand Slam HR. Not Babe Ruth, not Joe D, Ted Williams,
Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays. But Fred Lynn socked one in that game and the AL
won the game for the first time in 11 years. Btw, this was not Lynn's first All-Star Game HR. He
also hit HRs in the 1976, 1979, and 1980 All-Star contests. I was at the 1980 game and was
thrilled to be there. Thanks for the great memories Fred!!!
Player (1975), hitting 3 HRs in a game with 10 RBIs (1975), World Series Home Run (1975), AL
Batting Champ (1979), ALCS MVP (1982, with Angels), not to mention his stellar Gold Glove
work in centerfield (if you used to watch TWIB during the 1970s-1980s, chances are you would
see an amazing Fred Lynn catch). But if you ask Fred Lynn what his favorite baseball moment
was (and he told me this in an interview for Fredlynn.net) it would be his Grand Slam HR in the
1983 All-Star Game at old Comisky Park. At the time the American League had lost several
straight games to the National League. Back then the players really took pride in beating the
rival league. The games would really mean something. Now they are just love-fests even though
MLB says that "Now they mean something." Back to the '83 contest, up to that point no one in
All-Star Game history had EVER hit a Grand Slam HR. Not Babe Ruth, not Joe D, Ted Williams,
Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, or Willie Mays. But Fred Lynn socked one in that game and the AL
won the game for the first time in 11 years. Btw, this was not Lynn's first All-Star Game HR. He
also hit HRs in the 1976, 1979, and 1980 All-Star contests. I was at the 1980 game and was
thrilled to be there. Thanks for the great memories Fred!!!
Wire photo of Angels' Fred Lynn hitting the first Grand-
Slam in All-Star history (Old Comisky Park, Chicago, 1983)
Slam in All-Star history (Old Comisky Park, Chicago, 1983)
Trivia answer: The background is old Wrigley Field in LOS ANGELES. The Los Angeles Angels played there briefly and also at Dodger Stadium before
Anaheim Stadium was constructed. Wrigley Field Los Angeles was also the site of the television show "Home Run Derby" in 1959.
Anaheim Stadium was constructed. Wrigley Field Los Angeles was also the site of the television show "Home Run Derby" in 1959.
1972 Topps #19 Billy Cowan 1963 Fleer #21 Leon Wagner
Check out this 1972 Topps Billy Cowan card (above left). The reason I picked it up is not because of Billy Cowan, who may or may not have been a fine player. But I thought
this was very clever of the Topps photographer to picture Cowan with the BIG A halo over his head. Anaheim Stadium was nicknamed "The Big A" for that hugh A with the
halo. However seats were added to the stadium for the LA Rams and the Big A was moved farther out in the parking lot. You can still see the giant A with the halo off the 57
and 5 freeways. If you were standing where that Topps photographer is in the picture today you would barely see the Big A. What you see now are the bullpens, seats,
advertising and even a giant waterfall (corny, courtesy of Disney when they owned the Anaheim Angels).
Leon Wagner ("Daddy Wags") was an original member of the Los Angeles Angels and probably their best hitter. Daddy Wags played 3 seasons for the Los Angeles Angels;
check out these stats: 1961- .280 BA, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 1962- .268 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 1963- .291 BA, 26 HR, 90 RBI. According to the back of this 1963 Fleer card (above
right), "on April 30 (1962), he hit one of the longest homers in the history of LA's Wrigley Field- 473 1/2 feet. He is tied for the club record of 8 RBIs in one game, and in '61
he batted across 13 runs in three games." Why the Angels traded him is a mystery to me, but they did get an older slugger (Joe Adcock who was near the end of his career).
I think I would have hung on to Daddy Wags. Even just for the nickname.
this was very clever of the Topps photographer to picture Cowan with the BIG A halo over his head. Anaheim Stadium was nicknamed "The Big A" for that hugh A with the
halo. However seats were added to the stadium for the LA Rams and the Big A was moved farther out in the parking lot. You can still see the giant A with the halo off the 57
and 5 freeways. If you were standing where that Topps photographer is in the picture today you would barely see the Big A. What you see now are the bullpens, seats,
advertising and even a giant waterfall (corny, courtesy of Disney when they owned the Anaheim Angels).
Leon Wagner ("Daddy Wags") was an original member of the Los Angeles Angels and probably their best hitter. Daddy Wags played 3 seasons for the Los Angeles Angels;
check out these stats: 1961- .280 BA, 28 HR, 79 RBI, 1962- .268 BA, 37 HR, 107 RBI, 1963- .291 BA, 26 HR, 90 RBI. According to the back of this 1963 Fleer card (above
right), "on April 30 (1962), he hit one of the longest homers in the history of LA's Wrigley Field- 473 1/2 feet. He is tied for the club record of 8 RBIs in one game, and in '61
he batted across 13 runs in three games." Why the Angels traded him is a mystery to me, but they did get an older slugger (Joe Adcock who was near the end of his career).
I think I would have hung on to Daddy Wags. Even just for the nickname.
1978 Hostess #101 Frank Tanana
The Angels had a dynamite starting duo in the 1970's; Nolan Ryan and lefty Frank Tanana. Tanana pitched for the halos from 1973 to 1980. During one 5 year stretch he
won 14, 16, 19, 15, & 18 games. Three times he had an ERA of less than 3 runs per game (2.62, 2.44, 2.54 led league). In 1975 Tanana wiffed even more batters than
Nolan Ryan, leading the AL in strikeouts with 269. In 1977 he also led the AL in shutouts with 7. Today Tanana would be easily a $10 million a year pitcher. Unfortunately
Tanana hurt his arm and was never the same pitcher; though he did manage to hang on and win over 200 games. This card was cut by myself back in 1978 from a Hostess
box. My dad worked for Hostess for a couple years and though he never brought us Twinkies or Ding Dongs, he did bring some cards back for us to have. Thanks Pop!
won 14, 16, 19, 15, & 18 games. Three times he had an ERA of less than 3 runs per game (2.62, 2.44, 2.54 led league). In 1975 Tanana wiffed even more batters than
Nolan Ryan, leading the AL in strikeouts with 269. In 1977 he also led the AL in shutouts with 7. Today Tanana would be easily a $10 million a year pitcher. Unfortunately
Tanana hurt his arm and was never the same pitcher; though he did manage to hang on and win over 200 games. This card was cut by myself back in 1978 from a Hostess
box. My dad worked for Hostess for a couple years and though he never brought us Twinkies or Ding Dongs, he did bring some cards back for us to have. Thanks Pop!
1971 Topps #709 Rookie Outfielders (Dusty Baker, Don Baylor RC)
Don Baylor was the first Angel to win the Most Valuable Player Award (1979). He batted
.296 with 186 hits, 33 doubles, 36 home runs, 120 runs (led league), and 139 RBIs (also led
league). It was no coincidence that the Angels went to the playoffs (vs. Baltimore) for the
first time in team history. Don Baylor was also on the 1982 Angels team, which also went to
the ALCS vs. Milwaukee (when the Brewers were in the American League). However Gene
Autry's team came up short both times. Baylor went on to hit 338 HRs in his career with
1276 RBIs. He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame. This is Baylor's first card; it also
features Dusty Baker's first appearance on a baseball card as well.
The 1971 Topps cards are my favorite cards from the 1970's. I believe this was the first time
Topps featured game action shots on a lot of the cards. Topps had used highlight or "in
action" cards before, but these were usually colorized from black & white wire photos. The
following year, 1972, Topps went back to posed shots; however they did feature "In Action"
cards of the popular players. Another thing I like about the 1971 Topps cards is the black
borders. It seems to make the photos stand out better and it is tough to find them in high
grade (which makes for a challenge if you are working on a high grade set). Topps best
effort of the 1970's (in my opinion).
.296 with 186 hits, 33 doubles, 36 home runs, 120 runs (led league), and 139 RBIs (also led
league). It was no coincidence that the Angels went to the playoffs (vs. Baltimore) for the
first time in team history. Don Baylor was also on the 1982 Angels team, which also went to
the ALCS vs. Milwaukee (when the Brewers were in the American League). However Gene
Autry's team came up short both times. Baylor went on to hit 338 HRs in his career with
1276 RBIs. He is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame. This is Baylor's first card; it also
features Dusty Baker's first appearance on a baseball card as well.
The 1971 Topps cards are my favorite cards from the 1970's. I believe this was the first time
Topps featured game action shots on a lot of the cards. Topps had used highlight or "in
action" cards before, but these were usually colorized from black & white wire photos. The
following year, 1972, Topps went back to posed shots; however they did feature "In Action"
cards of the popular players. Another thing I like about the 1971 Topps cards is the black
borders. It seems to make the photos stand out better and it is tough to find them in high
grade (which makes for a challenge if you are working on a high grade set). Topps best
effort of the 1970's (in my opinion).
1977-79 Sportscaster #23-04 Nolan Ryan
From 1977 through 1979, these large, colorful cards were issued via mail subscription. The entire set was huge, featuring over 2,000 different subjects. Needless to
say, most did not complete their subscriptions... However included among them were 140 baseball subjects including this cool Nolan Ryan issue. It is very inexpensive,
listing for $7 in NM condition. I really don't know why they call these cards "Sportcaster" as I don't believe that word is even mentioned on the cards at all.
say, most did not complete their subscriptions... However included among them were 140 baseball subjects including this cool Nolan Ryan issue. It is very inexpensive,
listing for $7 in NM condition. I really don't know why they call these cards "Sportcaster" as I don't believe that word is even mentioned on the cards at all.
1972 Venezuelan Stickers #184 Nolan Ryan (rare)
Just when you think you had all the Nolan Ryan cards... This is a very rare Ryan issue from the 1972 Venezuelan Stickers issue. Most of the stickers are of
players in the Venezuelan League; however there are a number of major league players with Ryan being the most important. The "Express" was also featured
in the 1968 Venezuela Topps set, which happens to be his rookie card. So if you want the most difficult Nolan Ryan cards, you are going to have to get a 1968
Venezuela Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan) and this very difficult 1972 Venezuelan Sticker #184. Note that due to the common
practice in Venezuela to glue or paste both cards and stickers in albums, any Venezuelan issue is rare, not only just to find one, but in high grades especially.
The above example appears to have once been pasted unto something. Also note the picture of Ryan is the same that Topps used in their 1972 Topps #595
Nolan Ryan card.
players in the Venezuelan League; however there are a number of major league players with Ryan being the most important. The "Express" was also featured
in the 1968 Venezuela Topps set, which happens to be his rookie card. So if you want the most difficult Nolan Ryan cards, you are going to have to get a 1968
Venezuela Topps #177 Mets Rookie Stars (Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan) and this very difficult 1972 Venezuelan Sticker #184. Note that due to the common
practice in Venezuela to glue or paste both cards and stickers in albums, any Venezuelan issue is rare, not only just to find one, but in high grades especially.
The above example appears to have once been pasted unto something. Also note the picture of Ryan is the same that Topps used in their 1972 Topps #595
Nolan Ryan card.
1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale
Are you paying attention??? Sure, Don Drysdale never did pitch for the Angels. However he was a color commentator for them in the 1970's before he went back to
the Dodgers alongside Vin Scully in the radio/tv booth. However the reason I put this 1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale was not because of "Big D" but more the
background. Notice the ivy covered outfield fence with rooftops visible in the background. Angel Stadium? Nope. Anaheim Stadium was not even built yet in 1961.
Dodger Stadium. Nope. Dodger Stadium was built in 1962. So where was this shot taken? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the answer.
the Dodgers alongside Vin Scully in the radio/tv booth. However the reason I put this 1961 Morrell Meats Don Drysdale was not because of "Big D" but more the
background. Notice the ivy covered outfield fence with rooftops visible in the background. Angel Stadium? Nope. Anaheim Stadium was not even built yet in 1961.
Dodger Stadium. Nope. Dodger Stadium was built in 1962. So where was this shot taken? Scroll down to the bottom of this page for the answer.
1962 Topps #132a Angels Team (with inset photos) 1962 Topps #132b Angels Team (no inset photos)
In 1962 Topps produced two variations of card number 132 (Los Angeles Angels team); one with inset photos (top left), and one without (top right). The card with the
inset photos is much more difficult to obtain. I have never seen one of these with a clear picture (it always appears blurry) so maybe Topps corrected the photo and
did without the inset photos in trying to correct the card. Who knows, but it still is a cool variation. I just picked up these for $7 on eBay.
inset photos is much more difficult to obtain. I have never seen one of these with a clear picture (it always appears blurry) so maybe Topps corrected the photo and
did without the inset photos in trying to correct the card. Who knows, but it still is a cool variation. I just picked up these for $7 on eBay.
I hope you have enjoyed the Angels Page! For more team pages, please check out our Cubs, Dodgers and Red Sox team
pages!
pages!
1972 Topps #755 Jim Fregosi (Traded) 1972 Topps #595 Nolan Ryan
There have been numerous bad trades in baseball; Ruth going from Boston to New York for cash and rights to the Broadway musical "No No Nannette," Lou Brock for Ernie
Broglio, Steve Carlton for Rick Wise and one that brought Nolan Ryan to the Angels. Jim Fregosi was not a bad player. In fact Fregosi was an original member of the expansion
Los Angeles Angels and was an All-Star shortstop for the Angels during the 1960's. But by the time Fregosi was traded to the Mets he was past his prime while Ryan hadn't even
hit his. Yet. So the Mets got a legit veteran gamer in Fregosi, but gave up on a future Hall Of Famer in Ryan. In fact with a starting rotation of Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Jerry
Koosman, Jon Matlack and bullpen ace Tug McGraw, it would be have been one of the best pitching staffs EVER in baseball history. But it was not to be for the Mets. But the
future was oh so bright for Nolan Ryan!
In fact Fregosi was thought of so highly by Topps, that he was featured in the 1972 Topps high number "traded" series, while Ryan wasn't. What a shame; wouldn't it be
something to have a high numbered 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan "Traded" card! Instead, Topps simply airbrushed the Angels logo on Ryan's regular card. Note the Mets pinstripes
on Ryan's jersey.
Broglio, Steve Carlton for Rick Wise and one that brought Nolan Ryan to the Angels. Jim Fregosi was not a bad player. In fact Fregosi was an original member of the expansion
Los Angeles Angels and was an All-Star shortstop for the Angels during the 1960's. But by the time Fregosi was traded to the Mets he was past his prime while Ryan hadn't even
hit his. Yet. So the Mets got a legit veteran gamer in Fregosi, but gave up on a future Hall Of Famer in Ryan. In fact with a starting rotation of Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Jerry
Koosman, Jon Matlack and bullpen ace Tug McGraw, it would be have been one of the best pitching staffs EVER in baseball history. But it was not to be for the Mets. But the
future was oh so bright for Nolan Ryan!
In fact Fregosi was thought of so highly by Topps, that he was featured in the 1972 Topps high number "traded" series, while Ryan wasn't. What a shame; wouldn't it be
something to have a high numbered 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan "Traded" card! Instead, Topps simply airbrushed the Angels logo on Ryan's regular card. Note the Mets pinstripes
on Ryan's jersey.
| 7/16/82 UPI Wire Photo Fred Lynn congratulated after grand slam HR vs. Cleveland (L-R: Don Baylor, Reggie Jackson, Fred Lynn, Doug Decinces) |
Gene Autry, long time owner of the Angels tried to bring a Championship to Anaheim and in the late 1970's through 1980's the Angels spent quite a bit of dough on high priced
free agents including Don Baylor, Fred Lynn, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson (to name a few). As a result the Angels did enjoy some success coming very close to the World
Series in 1982. They lost the ALCS to a very good Milwaukee Brewers team but not for lack of trying. Fred Lynn was voted the MVP of the series despite his team losing. He
batted a cool .611 in that series (11 for 18 with 2 doubles, HR, 5 RBIs, and an on base percentage of .650)! The above wire photo shows Fred Lynn being congratulated at home
plate after belting a grand slam home run vs. the Cleveland Indians on 7/16/82.
free agents including Don Baylor, Fred Lynn, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson (to name a few). As a result the Angels did enjoy some success coming very close to the World
Series in 1982. They lost the ALCS to a very good Milwaukee Brewers team but not for lack of trying. Fred Lynn was voted the MVP of the series despite his team losing. He
batted a cool .611 in that series (11 for 18 with 2 doubles, HR, 5 RBIs, and an on base percentage of .650)! The above wire photo shows Fred Lynn being congratulated at home
plate after belting a grand slam home run vs. the Cleveland Indians on 7/16/82.
1962 Topps #209 Jim Fregosi (Rookie card)
As mentioned above, Jim Fregosi was the guy traded by the Angels to the Mets for Nolan Ryan. Fregosi was a member of the original Los Angeles Angels expansion club in
1961. He also played for the California Angels when they moved to Anaheim. Fregosi played 11 seasons for the Angels, was a 6-time All-Star, Gold Glove shortstop, and he could
hit too. He batted .268 for the Angels with a .406 slugging average. This included 1,408 hits (219 doubles, 70 triples, 115 HRs, 546 RBIs). Not bad for a shortstop. Remember this
was a time when shortstops were primarily defensive players and any hitting was a "bonus." Both leagues were full of shortstops who could field (or couldn't) but were not known
for their batting prowess. Fregosi was one of the few exceptions. While not a member of Baseball's Hall of Fame, Jim Fregosi is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame.
1961. He also played for the California Angels when they moved to Anaheim. Fregosi played 11 seasons for the Angels, was a 6-time All-Star, Gold Glove shortstop, and he could
hit too. He batted .268 for the Angels with a .406 slugging average. This included 1,408 hits (219 doubles, 70 triples, 115 HRs, 546 RBIs). Not bad for a shortstop. Remember this
was a time when shortstops were primarily defensive players and any hitting was a "bonus." Both leagues were full of shortstops who could field (or couldn't) but were not known
for their batting prowess. Fregosi was one of the few exceptions. While not a member of Baseball's Hall of Fame, Jim Fregosi is a member of the Angels Hall of Fame.