Los Angeles Angels best moments that didn’t make the top 10.

When you have a franchise like the Los Angeles Angels that has been around nearly 60 years (57 to be exact), it is very hard to pick the top 10 moments in their history. You’re sure to leave out a few great ones.

This series of articles detailing the top 10 moments in Los Angeles Angels history are no different.  When we were compiling them, there were debates on which ones should be in the top 10 on the list.  This article focuses on the great moments in Angels history that did not make the cut, but still deserve mentioning as some of the best in Angel history.

1989 MLB All-Star Game starts with a bang. 

After a 22-year absence the Major League Baseball All-Star Game returned to Anaheim and what a game it was. In the top of the first inning the National League touched AL starter Dave Stewart for two runs on RBI-singles by Kevin Mitchell and Howard Johnson to put the NL up 2-0.  It could have been more if not for two-sport star Bo Jackson’s diving catch of a Pedro Guerrero line drive to end the NL threat.

However, it was the bottom of the first inning that most fans will remember for years to come. With former president Ronald Reagan making a guest appearance in the broadcast booth with baseball legendary announcer Vin Scully started the bottom of the first off with a bang.

On the second pitch from NL starter Rick Reuschel, Jackson blasted the ball deep to center field landing halfway up the green tarp which was used to cover the seats so that it would give the hitters a good backdrop.  Jackson blast was measured at 464 feet and left Reagan and Scully in awe of the shear power of Jackson.

Boston Red Sox third baseman Wade Boggs would follow Jackson with another solo home run to tie the game at 2, marking the only time in All-Star game history that the first two batters for a team would hit back-to-back home runs. What was even more intriguing was Reagan was in the middle of answering a Scully question when Boggs connected on a 3-2 pitch by Reuschel.

Reagan said, “That looks like it’s going there too.” Scully came in saying “Eric Davis to the track, and it is gone.”

Jackson would drive in his second run of the game in the third inning by beating out a potential double play ball.  This would give the AL a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish.  Jackson took home the All-Star Game MVP honors for his exploits.

Even though this was not an Angel moment per say, it was still a special moment many Angel fans will remember well including this one. Bo Jackson would end as an Angel a few years later.

October 5, 1979 – Game 3 ALCS – California Angels 4, Baltimore Orioles 3 

Why is this game so important? This was the first home playoff game in Angel history, not only that it was also the first playoff victory in team history.  The team motto in 1979 was “Yes We Can” and the Angels believed their way into winning the team’s first American League Western Division title.

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The Angels faced the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles and dropped the first two games in Baltimore and came home to Anaheim Stadium in hopes of getting back in the Best-of-Five series. The Angels jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI-single by Dan Ford.

The Orioles tied the game in the top of the third inning, but Don Baylor, 1979 AL MVP, connected for a home run to put the Angels back on top 2-1.  The Orioles tied it in the top of the 6th inning then took the lead 3-2 in the top of the 7th inning to set-up a dramatic late inning comeback.

The Angels went into the bottom of th 9th still trailing 3-2 and in danger of being swept out of their first playoff series. With one out Rod Carew hit a double and Brian Downing walked to set the table.  Bobby Grich then hit a drive to centerfield which Orioles center fielder Al Bumbry dropped allowing Carew to score.

Downing went to second on the play setting the stage for Larry Harlow. Harlow delivered with a game-winning double that scored Downing giving the Angels a dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 victory.

This was the first of 27 Angel playoff victories and even though the Angels would be eliminated on the very next day with an 8-0 defeat, but 23 years later the Angels would have their day in the sun.

August 22, 2007 – Garret Anderson breaks Angel record with 10 RBI game vs NY.

Garret Anderson was one of the best left fielders to ever play for the Angels.  Anderson was part of the core group of players who helped lead the Angels to their first and only World Series title in 2002.

Anderson won the Home Run Derby in 2003 during the All-Star festivities.  The next day he won the All-Star Game MVP hitting a home run to help the AL win the game.  However, Anderson finest moment as an Angel other than his Game 7 heroics in the World Series was on a warm summer’s eve in August.

The Angels were in the heat of a division title race when the New York Yankees came to town for a three-game series. With AL All-Star pitcher Mike Mussina on the mound the Angels faced a tall order, but Anderson and friends were up to the task.  Anderson started the Angels scoring fest with a first inning double that drove in two runs to give the Angels an early cushion.

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With the Angels leading 5-1 in the bottom of the second inning Anderson drove in his third run with another double to make it 6-1 Halos. The Yankees cut the Angels lead to 7-5 with a four-run third inning, but Anderson and his teammates were not done. The Angels score two runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 9-5 lead when Anderson strode to the plate again.

Anderson connected on a 3-2 offering from Edward Ramirez with a three-run blast to right-center to break the game open at 12-5. Anderson now had six RBIs.  He was not done as he came up in the bottom of the sixth inning against Sean Henn. On a 0-1 pitch from Henn, Anderson hit a deep drive to right field which cleared the wall for a grand slam and the Angels had an 18-5 lead.  With the grand slam Anderson had an Angel record 10 RBIs helping the Angels to an 18-9 victory over the Yankees.

Anderson’s 10 RBI game still stands as an Angel record. Anderson was inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame in 2016 and will always be remembered for being one of the most clutch hitters in Angel history.

May 5, 1962 – Bo Belinsky throws first no-hitter in Angel History against the Baltimore Orioles.

Bo Belinsky’s career with the Angels was known more for his off-field antics than his pitching.  Belinsky was known to be out on the town almost every night with some of the most famous women in Hollywood including Mamie Van Doren, Tina Louise, Ann Margaret and even Marilyn Monroe.

However on a cool evening in May, Belinsky joined a special list of baseball pitchers who have thrown a no-hitter. Belinsky held the Orioles scoreless in the first three innings.  In the top of the fourth Belinsky got in trouble as the Orioles loaded the bases with two walks and an error.  Belinsky came back to strike out Dave Nicholson and then Ron Hansen flew out to end the threat.

The Angels took an early 2 -0 lead and Belinsky made it stand up retiring 12 of the next 13 batters.  In the top of the ninth the 15,000 or so fans in attendance at Dodger Stadium were on the edge of their seats as Belinsky took the mound three outs away from a no-hitter.

Jackie Brandt struck out for the first out. Gus Triandos then grounded out to shortstop for the second out.  The last batter standing in Belinsky’s way was Dave Nicholson who hit a pop-up to third baseman Felix Torres for the third and final out and Belinsky had the Angels first no-hitter in club history.

September 30, 1984 – Mike Witt threw only perfect game in Angel history.

It was the last day of the 1984 season the Angels having been eliminated from the AL West Title race two days earlier took the field for the final time of the season. Mike Witt was on the mound and he had a decent season going 15-11 with a 3.47 ERA with nine complete games with two shutouts.

Witt started the game with five strikeouts in his first nine batters he faced holding the Rangers scoreless going into the fourth inning.  Witt kept the Rangers at bay over the next three innings as well, but Rangers pitcher Charlie Hough was matching him almost pitch for pitch allowing only three hits to keep the Angels off the scoreboard.

The Angels finally broke through in the seventh inning against Hough as third baseman Doug DeCinces opened the inning with a single.  DeCinces moved to third on a passed ball and a ground out.  Up stepped Reggie Jackson and “Mr. October” delivered one day early with an RBI ground out to give the Angels a 1-0 lead.

Witt continued his dominance into the ninth inning still not allowing a base runner.  Tom Dunbar led off and Witt recorded his 10th and final strikeout to retire Dunbar. Witt then got Bob Jones to ground to second for the second out.  Witt finished his masterpiece getting pinch hitter Marv Foley to ground out Rob Wilfong setting off a celebration on the mound as Witt’s teammates mobbed him.  It was the 13th perfect game in MLB history and the only one in Angel history.

Nolan Ryan throws multiple No-Hitters for Angels

Nolan Ryan was the best pitcher to ever put on an Angel uniform. Unfortunately he pitched for the team when they were at or near the bottom of the American League, but that didn’t stop Ryan from excelling.

Starting in May of 1973 until June 1st, 1975 Ryan threw not one, not two, not three, but four no-hitters.  His four no-hitters tied Ryan with Sandy Koufax for most career no-hitters.  Ryan would end his career with seven no-hitters, but his first four come as an Angel.

Ryan’s fourth no hitter made our top 10 list so we will discuss it later.  In this article we will discuss Ryan’s first three no hitters.

Nolan Ryan’s first no hitter came against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City.  Ryan walked three batters, but did not allow a hit.  Rudy Melli made a diving catch of a Gail Hopkins blooper in short right field to preserve the no-no in the eighth inning.

In the ninth inning Ryan got Freddie Patel to pop-up for the first out.  Then he struck out Steve Hovley before getting Amos Otis which Ken Berry caught at the warning track to give Ryan his first no-no.

Ryan’s second no-no occurred later that same year on July 15th of 1973. This may have been Ryan’s most dominant no-hitter as he struck out 17 Detroit Tigers in Detroit. Ryan walked four batters in throwing his second no-hitter of the season.

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The Angels scored a run in the third inning to give Ryan a 1-0 lead however, they would not score again until they put up a five spot in the top of the eighth inning on two-run singles by Winston Lineas and Al Gallagher and an RBI single by Bob Oliver to make the score 6-0 going t the bottom of the eighth.

Ryan retired the side in order in the eighth recording his 17th and final strikeout Ed Brinkman.  In the bottom of the ninth Ryan retired Mickey Stanley on a ground out, then he got Gates Brown to line out to short for the second out. Then Norm Cash ended the game with a pop out to short and Ryan had no-hitter number 2.

On September 28, 1974 Ryan threw his third no-hitter, the first at Anaheim Stadium for Ryan.  He walked eight batters and struck 15 Minnesota Twins with a 156 pitch outing.  The Angels scored two runs in the third and fourth innings to give Ryan a four run cushion.

Ryan did not have his best control on this night walking four batters in the first three innings of the game.  Ryan twice walked two batters in an inning, but the Twins were never able to get a hit off the Express. In the 9th inning Ryan faced Tony Oliva on a fly ball to center.  Ryan then struck out Larry Hisle for out number two. He then walked future Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew before ending the game and his third no-hitter with a strikeout Eric Soderholm his 15th and final punchout.

Nolan Ryan would continue to cement his place as the best pitcher in Angel history over the next six seasons.

September 28, 1973 – Nolan Ryan sets MLB record with 383rd strikeout in a season

Nolan Ryan had an amazing season in 1973.  First of all Ryan threw his first two career no-hitters.  Then he also struck out 383 batters during the season which was a major league record which still stands.

Ryan went into the last game of the season needing 15 strikeouts to break Sandy Koufax’s record of 382 strikeouts in 1965.  The game was secondary as all eyes were on Ryan on this fall evening in Anaheim.  Ryan took the mound for the last time against the Minnesota Twins.

Through eight innings Ryan had 14 strikeouts which tied Sandy Koufax with 382 punch outs in a season.  The tying strikeout came against the Twins Steve Brey in the top of the eighth.  Every time Ryan got two strikes on a hitter after this the crowd rose to its feet in anticipation of seeing history.

In the ninth and 10th innings Ryan did not strike out a single Twins hitter, but the Angels could not break the 4-4 tie.  Ryan had struck out the side three times in the first, fourth, and seventh inning to help him reach 14.

In the top of the 11th inning Ryan faced the Twins Rich Reese who had pinch ran for Harmon Killebrew in the top of the ninth inning came to the plate for his first and only at-bat of the game. Ryan struck Reese out to the end the inning and get his record breaking 383rd strikeout of the season.

The Angels ended up scoring in th bottom of the 11th inning giving Ryan his career high 21st victory of the season, but his 383rd strikeout is what will be remembered and probably not ever be broken.

Albert Pujols and Reggie Jackson hit home run #500 while in an Angel uniform. September 17, 1984 and April 22, 2014. 

Hitting 500 home runs in a career is a major milestone with only 27 players reaching this milestone. The Angels have had two players accomplish this feat while wearing an Angel uniform.

Reggie Jackson A.K.A. “Mr. October” accomplished this feat late in the 1984 season when he went deep off of Royals pitcher Bud Black.  Jackson went deep in the bottom of the seventh of a 10-1 Angels loss to the Royals.  It was a pivotal game as the Halos were trying to catch the Royals and win their second AL West title in three years, but this game was over early as the Angels fell behind 5-0 after four innings and were trailing 7-0 in the seventh when Jackson connected to right field for his historic home run.

Pujols’ 500th home run was in a little bit better situation as the Angels actually won the game in the nation’s capital Washington D.C. against the Washington Nationals. Pujols touched the Nationals’ Taylor Jordan for home run 499 in the first inning which gave the Angels a 3-0 lead. Pujols’ blast to left drove in both J.B. Shuck and Mike Trout who had reached base on a double and an error respectively.

With the Angels still leading 4-2 in the top of the 5th inning Pujols came up again against Jordan and hit a line drive that just cleared the wall in left-center and Pujols became the 26th member of the 500 home run club.  This was a two-run shot that drove in Trout to extend the Angels lead to 6-2 and they would go on to win 7-2.

Pujols has not stopped there as he hit his 600th career home run in 2017 against the Minnesota Twins.  Right now Pujols has 625 homers and is only six homers away from passing Ken Griffey Jr. to move into sixth place on baseball’s all-time home run list.

Next: #10 Top Moment in Angel History - Alex Johnson wins Angels only AL Batting Title

Here’s hoping you have enjoyed this best of the rest list of top moments in Angels history. Look for the 9th best moment in Angel history on Tuesday.