All-Angels Team: Final Unveil

Bengie Molina (1998-2005)

Bengie Molina was called up to the Anaheim Angels in the fall of 1998, and became a regular in 2000 at the age of 25. Originally signed as an international free agent by the California Angels in 1993, Molina would spend the first eight years of his career in the Big A. Molina is perhaps best remembered for being behind the plate for the Halos during the spectacular 2002 postseason run, and delivering a game tying RBI double in game 7 of the World Series. Molina was a slick fielder, and won two Gold Gloves during his tenure in Anaheim.

Molina posted some quality offensive numbers for the Halos, batting .274, with 65 home runs and 144 runs batted in over his eight-year stay with the Angels. After batting .281 with 14 home runs and 71 RBI’s over 130 games in 2000, Molina finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting. Molina’s best campaign in Anaheim may have come in 2003 when he once again hit .281, with 14 home runs and 71 runs batted in, but this time he added a Gold Glove. While Molina is not known around baseball for his arm strength, Angels’ fans know different. During 2002 and 2003, Moline threw out 45% of potential base stealers. Molina tallied 7.4 wins above replacement during his time with the Angels.

Bengie Molina was a popular player with the Angels, and the fans have decided he will be behind the plate for the All-Angels Team. Molina won after netting 68% of the vote.

Next: All-Angels Team First Baseman