All-Angels Team: Final Unveil

All-Angels Team Second Baseman: Bobby Grich (1977-1986)

Robert Grich entered the league as a first found draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 1969. After seven successful seasons with the O’s, Bobby Grich took his talents home to Anaheim, signing as a free agent in late November of 1976. Grich became a star with the Halos, making three All-Star appearances, and placing in the top 15 of MVP voting twice. 1979 was Grich’s best all around season as a pro, batting .295, with a career high 30 home runs and 101 RBI’s in 153 games. ’79 was the only season Grich broke triple digits in runs driven in. Grich added a Silver Slugger to his trophy case in 1981. The Angels made the postseason on three separate occasions during Grich’s 10 seasons in Anaheim.

Bobby Grich had a stellar career with the California Angels, batting .269, with 154 home runs and 557 RBI’s in just over 1,200 games played. The UCLA alum was know around baseball for his nifty glove work. Although he never took home a Gold Glove as a member of the Angels, Grich did win a total of four Gold Gloves over the course of his 17-year career. For his career, Grich posted a fielding percentage of .984 at second base, and a range factor of 5.70, both numbers blew away league averages. During his time with the Halos, Grich accumulated an impressive 34.9 wins above replacement.

It was a homecoming of sorts when the Long Beach native and UCLA grad returned to the city of Angels in 1976, and the fans were thrilled. I was fortunate enough to be in attendance in 2009 when the Halos honored Grich by giving out free jersey shirts with Grich’s name and number. Grich was at the game, and it was obvious the fans still adore him.

Bobby Grich tied for the narrowest victory of anybody on the team after posting just 54% of the vote. However, a win is a win, and Grich has been chosen to play second base for the All-Angels team.

Next: All-Angels Team Third Baseman