Forgotten Angels players of the past [Archive]

JohnGelnarFan

06-09-2006, 12:52 PM

I think he used to date Mamie Van Doren and Tina Louise(Ginger on Gilligan's Island) Did his arm go bad or was he just too undisciplined? I have an audio cassette game of him pitching for the 1967 Astros and he pitched pretty well. The Angels got Rudy May(and Costen Shockley) for him so that worked out.

Bo Belinsky- He will never be forgotten he was more famous in LA for his off the field life.

Rumor was at the beginning of spring training He use to show up at Autry's ranch in Palm Springs with 2 Playboy Models and and half a bottle of bourbon.

Where is Chone Figgins

06-09-2006, 01:17 PM

Julio Ramirez
Justin Baughmen
Pep Harris
Mike James
Paul Leftwich
Claudell Washington
Scott Lewis
Ruppert Jones
Ron Jackson

I remember John Orton because when he first came up he looked like he was going to be a star but his carrer just faded away like many Angels in the early 90's

JohnGelnarFan

06-09-2006, 02:00 PM

I thought Justin Baughman would be better too. I think I saw his name on someone's AAA roster.

Chisox73

06-09-2006, 07:34 PM

Sid Monge
Don Aase
Jerry DaVanon
Joe Lahoud
Morris Nettles

JohnGelnarFan

06-09-2006, 07:37 PM

I think Joe Lahoud and Roger Repoz were brothers :p All or nothing!

Sid Monge
Don Aase
Jerry DaVanon
Joe Lahoud
Morris Nettles

soberdennis

06-09-2006, 08:01 PM

How about Jay Johnstone.
Also any Yankee fan will thank the Halos for Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa. How many people remember that they wereen't too bad for the Angels either.

mojorisin71

06-09-2006, 08:23 PM

Alex Johnson.

Even though he won a batting title, he might as well be forgotten. BlueSteve has posted numerous stories of his stint with the Angels, and you'll see why hardly anyone talks about him.

JohnGelnarFan

06-09-2006, 08:32 PM

There were stories about him carrying a gun and not running out groundballs. One of the first bad attitude guys that I remember. His stats in 1971 really dropped off after the batting title(.329) They traded him to Cleveland for Vada Pinson.

Alex Johnson.

Even though he won a batting title, he might as well be forgotten. BlueSteve has posted numerous stories of his stint with the Angels, and you'll see why hardly anyone talks about him.

JohnGelnarFan

06-09-2006, 08:41 PM

That trade worked out better for the Yanks. The Angels got one great year and one below average year from Bobby Bonds before they moved him on. Rivers and Figueroa were rising stars in their short time with the Angels.

How about Jay Johnstone.
Also any Yankee fan will thank the Halos for Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa. How many people remember that they wereen't too bad for the Angels either.

soberdennis

06-09-2006, 09:09 PM

That trade worked out better for the Yanks. The Angels got one great year and one below average year from Bobby Bonds before they moved him on. Rivers and Figueroa were rising stars in their short time with the Angels.
I agree that the trade was great for the Yanks. It was part of Gabe Paul's genius in making trades. I am just saying that Rivers and Figueroa were not bad with the Angels, either. I believe Figgy won an ERA title in Anaheim.

Jake83

06-09-2006, 10:07 PM

Matt Walbeck
Trent Durrington
Kevin Stocker
Luis Polonia
Andrew Lorraine
Don Slaught
Johnny Ray
Lee Stevens( He was suppose to replace Joyner one of the thousand bad Angel decesions)

CaliforniaCajun

06-10-2006, 08:52 AM

I think he used to date Mamie Van Doren and Tina Louise(Ginger on Gilligan's Island) Did his arm go bad or was he just too undisciplined? I have an audio cassette game of him pitching for the 1967 Astros and he pitched pretty well. The Angels got Rudy May(and Costen Shockley) for him so that worked out.

I think you would enjoy the book Once They Were Angels, written by the Angels bat boy in 1974-76. He maintained contact with many of the players over the years and told Angel history through 10 of the better known Angels. Belinsky was deceased, but interviews told his story. He was actually engaged to Mamie Van Doren. Belinsky wasn't a star, but his carousing brought needed media attention to the Angels.

JohnGelnarFan

06-10-2006, 10:14 AM

Thanks Cajun. I always liked the early Angels. I have their first game on audio tape. I'll find that book. Belinsky had two pretty good,but not star quality seasons with the Angels. The no-hitter and his playboy lifestyle made him a star of sorts. I didn't know that he was engaged to Mamie Van Doren. She was third behind Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield in the blonde bombshell pecking order but the most outrageous. I looked at her website a few months ago and she still looks pretty good. There are exerpts from her tell all book,talking about the stars she slept with.

I think you would enjoy the book Once They Were Angels, written by the Angels bat boy in 1974-76. He maintained contact with many of the players over the years and told Angel history through 10 of the better known Angels. Belinsky was deceased, but interviews told his story. He was actually engaged to Mamie Van Doren. Belinsky wasn't a star, but his carousing brought needed media attention to the Angels.

JohnGelnarFan

06-10-2006, 10:17 AM

Luis Polonia,heart throb of the teenieboppers! Didn't he get caught in a hotel with a 13 year old girl?

Matt Walbeck
Trent Durrington
Kevin Stocker
Luis Polonia
Andrew Lorraine
Don Slaught
Johnny Ray
Lee Stevens( He was suppose to replace Joyner one of the thousand bad Angel decesions)

JohnGelnarFan

06-10-2006, 10:29 AM

Eli Grba
Ed Kirkpatrick
George Brunet
Joe Azcue
Mel Queen
Dave LaRoche
Dave Chalk
Paul Hartzell

JohnGelnarFan

06-11-2006, 10:40 AM

Aurelio Monteagudo
Andy Hassler
Paul Dade
Urbano Lugo
Jack Fimple
Jack Lazorko

BoweryBoys

06-11-2006, 01:35 PM

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned...

Rick Reichardt or Jackie Warner

Two guys that never quite lived up to thier potential or what was expected of them.

Also, some other now too often over looked Angel players of the past.....

Leon "Daddy Wags" Wagner
Steve Bilko
Lee Thomas
Bobby Knoop
Billy Moran
Albie Pearson
Don Mincher
Tom Satriano
Jose Cardenal
Clyde Wright
Minnie Rojas
Ken McBride
Felix Torres

Just to name a few more.

Iron Jaw

06-12-2006, 02:58 AM

Killer Capo

06-12-2006, 07:00 AM

Dickie Schofield
Ron Fairly

JohnGelnarFan

06-12-2006, 01:58 PM

I never heard of Jackie Warner. I looked him up and it looks like he had good power in his one part time year.
Reichardt,the $100,000 Bonus Baby had some good years but never close to what was expected. We had him in Washington for one year and his 15 homers as a platoon player was major for a bad Senators team. I remember one of the last games of the 1970 season against Boston and his homer was the only run we got in a 10-1 loss. After the game, outside the players entrance,he got a standing ovation(I guess we were already standing!)

I thought about some of the other guys on your list but thought that they had "close to" star years(except Satriano). Good List though! :waving

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned...

Rick Reichardt or Jackie Warner

Two guys that never quite lived up to thier potential or what was expected of them.

Also, some other now too often over looked Angel players of the past.....

Leon "Daddy Wags" Wagner
Steve Bilko
Lee Thomas
Bobby Knoop
Billy Moran
Albie Pearson
Don Mincher
Tom Satriano
Jose Cardenal
Clyde Wright
Minnie Rojas
Ken McBride
Felix Torres

Just to name a few more.

JohnGelnarFan

06-12-2006, 02:09 PM

This guy was one who's reputation far exceeded his talent. What a great,tough life.If he's still alive,he must be worn out!

Bo wound up getting married with Jo Collins, a former Playboy Playmate. He later divorced her though.

Busterbug

06-13-2006, 05:46 AM

Hey Angels fans, just found you guys and would love to talk Angels with you. The first player I think of is Paul Hartzell. He was the first autograph I ever got at Angel Stadium. I was part of the Jr Angels in the 70's. Growing up in Fountain Valley we went to games all the time. I also remember Bobby Jones, who I now see often here in Texas as he coaches for the Rangers.

Busterbug

06-13-2006, 05:53 AM

If you havent already mentioned:

Dick Lange
Ellie Rodriguez
Orlando Pena
Bill Singer
Leroy Stanton
Denny Doyle
Andy Etchebarren
Dave Collins
Jim Brewer
Jerry Remy

I wanted to be Joe Rudi when I was a kid, flying across left field making diving catches.

JohnGelnarFan

06-14-2006, 10:20 AM

Welcome Busterbug :waving Paul Hartzell was a college teammate at Lehigh with a summer league teammate of mine. I remember him telling us that Hartzell was a jerk. My teammate was the Lehigh MVP even though Hartzell went on to the majors. He had at least one good year with California. He completed 22 of his 77 major league starts which is a great percentage today!
I lived in Dallas from 1992-2001 but I don't remember if Bobby Jones was there yet. Have fun on BBF!

Hey Angels fans, just found you guys and would love to talk Angels with you. The first player I think of is Paul Hartzell. He was the first autograph I ever got at Angel Stadium. I was part of the Jr Angels in the 70's. Growing up in Fountain Valley we went to games all the time. I also remember Bobby Jones, who I now see often here in Texas as he coaches for the Rangers.

CaliforniaCajun

06-14-2006, 02:33 PM

That trade worked out better for the Yanks. The Angels got one great year and one below average year from Bobby Bonds before they moved him on. Rivers and Figueroa were rising stars in their short time with the Angels.

I think this is typical of why the Angels are so reluctant to make trades, to avoid what happened there. After what the team has been through in history, I'm willing to stick with the kids and see if we can keep a pipeline of talent continually coming in. The 2002 World Series team to me was kind of a one-hit wonder, and I think the Angels want to get to where they have the upper hand in trades and consistently put the best team out there.:atthepc

JohnGelnarFan

06-14-2006, 04:31 PM

It's harder to make meaningful trades these days with the salaries and free agency. A good farm system makes a world of difference and the fans love seeing their own blossom into good players. Did the Angels make alot of bad deals early in their history? The Ryan trade was great. You got Senator great,Chuck Hinton,for the low price of Jose Cardenal. :)

I think this is typical of why the Angels are so reluctant to make trades, to avoid what happened there. After what the team has been through in history, I'm willing to stick with the kids and see if we can keep a pipeline of talent continually coming in. The 2002 World Series team to me was kind of a one-hit wonder, and I think the Angels want to get to where they have the upper hand in trades and consistently put the best team out there.:atthepc

Iron Jaw

06-15-2006, 12:14 AM

If I recall correctly, country music great and former minor league player Charley Pride was in spring training with the original LA Angels in 1961. He didn't make the club - bad for Charley's baseball career but a good thing for the country music genre.

CaliforniaCajun

06-15-2006, 08:37 AM

CaliforniaCajun

06-15-2006, 08:42 AM

This guy was one who's reputation far exceeded his talent. What a great,tough life.If he's still alive,he must be worn out!

Bo died in 2001. He had cancer and was an alcoholic. He did become a born again Christian. Interesting chapter about his life in Once They Were Angels

More forgotten players:

Bob Lee: relief pitcher
Ray Oyler: SS, was a starter for the Tigers World Series team but benched during the WS with a .135 average
Joe Koppe: IF
Earl Averill: C (his dad was a Hall of Famer for the Cleveland Indians)
Dick Wantz: P (I think he's the guy that broke his arm while throwing a curve ball)
Frank Malzone: 3B (long-time Red Sox 3B)
Jimmy Piersall: OF (had that famous nervous breakdown with the Red Sox)

JohnGelnarFan

06-15-2006, 01:04 PM

Iron Jaw

06-16-2006, 03:10 AM

I didn't know that Ray Oyler was an Angel. Was it his last team? Being a Pilots fan,I liked him alot. One of the worst hitters of all time!
Thanks for the info on Belinsky.I'm getting that book.
I remember that Charlie Pride got a hit off of Jim Palmer in spring training.

Ray Oyler played in 24 games for the Angels in 1970. In the "Oyler" fashion, he went 2 for 24. The Oakland A's actually picked up Oyler from Milwaukee (nee Seattle) in the off-season, but sold him to the Angels.

JohnGelnarFan

06-16-2006, 11:36 AM

A sad day in baseball history when "Oil Can" hung up his spikes. Not many can hit .135 and be a starting shortstop for a World Championship team! R.I.P. Ray

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-16-2006, 05:25 PM

How about this one: Robert Eenhoorn

Came from the Yankees in 1996. Played a total of 17 games for the Angels with 25 AB, 11 hits 1 HR and 6 RBI.

JohnGelnarFan

06-17-2006, 10:49 AM

Why didn't Eenhoorn get another chance?
Here are some funny names:
Fritzie Brickell
Bob "Butterball" Botz
Faye Throneberry
Marlan Coughtry
Aubrey Gatewood
Costen Shockley
Dick Wantz

StevesBaseball

06-17-2006, 11:17 AM

Here's a few new photos you've never seen...
http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/fevermay.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverazcue.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverjohnson.jpg

Steve
"Steve's Baseball Photography Pages" (http://www.geocities.com/dewing19)

JohnGelnarFan

06-17-2006, 11:27 AM

Hi Steve-Is that Aurelio Rodriguez? Will these and some of your other new ones be on your website soon? I went through all of the team sites this morning and didn't see these and some of the others you've posted recently.

Here's a few new photos you've never seen...
http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/fevermay.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverazcue.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverjohnson.jpg

Steve
"Steve's Baseball Photography Pages" (http://www.geocities.com/dewing19)

StevesBaseball

06-17-2006, 11:56 AM

Carlos May, Jose Azcue, and Alex Johnson.

I won't be putting the new images (500+ including all teams) in the team galleries for awhile. The team galleries are considered the "archive" I guess. I'm still working on the scanning process...I've got some nice ones of Don Mincher, Jim McGlothlin, George Brunet, Rick Reichardt, Jay Johnstone, and Clyde Wright, Jeff Torborg and Mickey Rivers still to display. That's just amongst the older guys...."newer" guys like Grich, Lansford, Ryan, Baylor, Aase will also be displayed at some point.

Steve

JohnGelnarFan

06-17-2006, 12:46 PM

Ok,thanks. Azcue looks like A-Rod#1 in this picture. I saw the Mincher and am keeping a list of photos that I'm interested in. I'll keep watching and send you an e-mail! :waving

Carlos May, Jose Azcue, and Alex Johnson.

I won't be putting the new images (500+ including all teams) in the team galleries for awhile. The team galleries are considered the "archive" I guess. I'm still working on the scanning process...I've got some nice ones of Don Mincher, Jim McGlothlin, George Brunet, Rick Reichardt, Jay Johnstone, and Clyde Wright, Jeff Torborg and Mickey Rivers still to display. That's just amongst the older guys...."newer" guys like Grich, Lansford, Ryan, Baylor, Aase will also be displayed at some point.

Steve

Iron Jaw

06-17-2006, 04:29 PM

and Alex Johnson

Steve

There's a name that Angels fans may want to forget. Though he won the batting title with that tremendous offensive season he had in 1970 after the Reds shipped him to the Angels along with Chico Ruiz for Jim McGlothlin and Pedro Borbon, Alex was nothing but super trouble the following season.

JohnGelnarFan

06-17-2006, 05:52 PM

In 1970 I told myself that If I ever had a boy,I'd name him Alex Johnson.(Obviously,my last name) He was great that year. He never had a season quite like that one again. Major attitude problems,at least with the Angels. I never understood that. I still have a Bat Day souvenir bat that I got at an Angels-Senators game in 1970.

StevesBaseball

06-17-2006, 07:19 PM

I'm drawing a blank on who this is...a little help please...probably shot between 1965 and 1968.

Thanks.
Steve
"Steve's Baseball Photography Pages" (http://www.geocities.com/dewing19)

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverangel.jpg

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-18-2006, 12:41 AM

Why didn't Eenhoorn get another chance?Here are some funny names:
Fritzie Brickell
Bob "Butterball" Botz
Faye Throneberry
Marlan Coughtry
Aubrey Gatewood
Costen Shockley
Dick Wantz

He was traded to the Mets, but decided to go back to Holland.

JohnGelnarFan

06-18-2006, 08:32 AM

It sure looks like Rick Reichardt but the bat is on the wrong shoulder. It also looks like #16 is on the knob of the bat.

I'm drawing a blank on who this is...a little help please...probably shot between 1965 and 1968.

Thanks.
Steve
"Steve's Baseball Photography Pages" (http://www.geocities.com/dewing19)

http://www.geocities.com/dewing19/images/feverangel.jpg

JohnGelnarFan

06-18-2006, 08:34 AM

Thanks YR. Did he retire from baseball or play International ball?

He was traded to the Mets, but decided to go back to Holland.

Melottfan

06-20-2006, 12:11 PM

Surprised to read that Mike Miley was never mentioned. He was a big LSU star
who signed with the Angels. He played shortstop for a total 2 years. He could have played more, but was killed in an car accident outside of Baton Rouge. He's buried in Metairie, outside of New Orleans. What might have been.

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-20-2006, 04:01 PM

Thanks YR. Did he retire from baseball or play International ball?

He played on for the club where he started, Neptunus Rotterdam. Now he is manager of the Dutch National team. He managed them during the WBC.

JohnGelnarFan

06-21-2006, 03:22 PM

Interesting Information YR. He must have been a stud over there.

Here are a few more forgotten Angels

Moose Stubing
Jorge Rubio
Steve Kealey
Ed Sukla
Ron Piche

He played on for the club where he started, Neptunus Rotterdam. Now he is manager of the Dutch National team. He managed them during the WBC.

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-22-2006, 12:46 PM

Interesting Information YR. He must have been a stud over there.

I never noticed. I saw him play several times, but it never came up to me that he was exceptional good (for a Dutchman).

As a manager he is doing very well. I think that he carries a lot of experience with him from the years in the Majors. In that way he is a stud.

JohnGelnarFan

06-22-2006, 03:34 PM

How is the brand of baseball in the Netherlands? When did it become popular there? How many leagues or divisions? Games in a season?

Larry Harlow
Gil Kubski
Chuck Hockenbery
Billy Parker

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-22-2006, 03:47 PM

How is the brand of baseball in the Netherlands? When did it become popular there? How many leagues or divisions? Games in a season?

Baseball was introduced around 1911. In 1912 the Dutch Baseball Federation was founded. The oldest still existing club, Quick Amsterdam, was founded in 1913. During the early years 1911-1960 baseball was a sport that was practiced during the summer by a lot of soccer players. So a lot of soccer clubs had their baseball branches. Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV for example all had a baseball branch; PSV and Feyenoord still have, although the latter is merged with another club from Rotterdam. Johan Cruyff was quite a good pitcher.

In the early years, all teams in the Major League were from Amsterdam or Haarlem. Since the sixties there are clubs from other cities as well.

Compared to soccer, baseball is still a relative small sport overhere. about 200000 players on a population of 16 million people.

Nowadays about 40 games per season are played in the Dutch Major League. There is only one division. The best 4 teams of the regular season go to the play offs. The number one will play the number four and number 2 will play number 3.

The final series is called the Holland Series and is a best of five event.

We also have a promotion/relegation system. The team that finishes last will play against the number one of the league under the Major League. The winner will play in the Major League the upcoming season.

JohnGelnarFan

06-23-2006, 12:20 PM

Thanks YR. It's always nice to hear about baseball history from other countries. I Appreciate your information!

Yankeebiscuitfan

06-23-2006, 01:20 PM

Thanks YR. It's always nice to hear about baseball history from other countries. I Appreciate your information!

You're welcome JGF. It is always nice to tell about it.

jimaxe

11-19-2006, 09:33 PM

Hey, I know this is an old string, but I just found it.

How about
- Ed Figueroa (Senor Stopper)
- Barry Latman
- Chris Knapp
- Dave Frost
- Ken Berry
- Dan Whitmer
- Juan Beniquez
- Dickie Thon
- Daryl Sconiers
- Junior Noboa
- Syd O'Brien
- Vic Davalillo
- Mike Easler
- Willie Fraser
- Mario Guererro
- Last, but not least: Don Rose. He was the least known player in the Nolan Ryan trade, but had the longest-lasting effect on the team. First, he was a pitcher who hit a homer in his first big-league at bat. Then he was traded for Figueroa, who was later traded for Bonds, who was traded for Brian Downing who was with the team until 1990.

FYI - Jackie Warner was mentioned earlier. He was a major prospect, but didn't work out. Also, does anyone remember Jimmy Piersall's pregame show? He used to give clinics for Little Leaguers on the show.

MoonFlag

04-05-2007, 04:17 PM

When I was little my father took me to meet Eddie Kirkpatrick - since my name was "Eddie", this meant a lot to me. Anyone know where he is now?

Brownie31

04-06-2007, 09:30 AM

What about 1964 Cy Young Award winner Dean Chance?

Brownie31

jimaxe

04-23-2007, 10:12 AM

Actually, Wantz pitched 1 game, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died a month later. I believe the guy who broke his arm throwing was Johnny James.:cap:

Bo died in 2001. He had cancer and was an alcoholic. He did become a born again Christian. Interesting chapter about his life in Once They Were Angels

More forgotten players:

Bob Lee: relief pitcher
Ray Oyler: SS, was a starter for the Tigers World Series team but benched during the WS with a .135 average
Joe Koppe: IF
Earl Averill: C (his dad was a Hall of Famer for the Cleveland Indians)
Dick Wantz: P (I think he's the guy that broke his arm while throwing a curve ball)
Frank Malzone: 3B (long-time Red Sox 3B)
Jimmy Piersall: OF (had that famous nervous breakdown with the Red Sox)

Ralph Zig Tyko

09-05-2007, 08:59 PM

... Botz pitched for the Halos and shared his nickname [Butterball] with my brother. Bob tried out for the Mets in '62 and was beaten out by Sherman "Roadblock" Jones.

*Mac*

11-19-2007, 09:21 PM

Mark Ryal & Gene Gerber

Steven Gallanter

12-15-2010, 12:30 AM

Marvin Miller's A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLGAME details the Alex Johnson imbroglio. The Angel's claimed that Alex Johnson was too mentally unstable to play and suspended him without pay.

Miller was able to assert that Johnson's "mental instability" meant that he should be on the Disabled List and thus continue to earn his pay.

It is also worth mentioning that Alex Johnson was the older brother of Cleveland Brown/NY Giant running back Ron Johnson.

Steven Gallanter

12-15-2010, 12:59 AM

John Orton was a Tom Prieto, Doug Mirabelli type non-hitting defensive catcher who came up relatively late. I do recall that he was involved in the rollover of the Angels' team bus that occured while Buck Rodgers was manager.

Ruppert Jones was the very 1st. Seattle Mariner chosen in the expansion draft from the Royals who opted to keep Willie Wilson.

The M's had fans who called themselves "Rupe's Troops." He was dealt to the Yankees prior to the 1980 season. He got injured and wound up splitting time with Bobby Brown.

Jones played for the 1984 Tigers champs and finished up with the Halos. He played for the 1986 Angels who lost to the Red Sox.

Claudell Washington was with the A's at 19. He played for both the Mets and the Yankees among many others.

strato

04-13-2013, 04:11 PM

I remember winter of '76-77 I was a senior in college and 4 active major league players died-Danny Thompson, Miley, Bob Moose and Danny Frissella

also Freddie Prinze shot himself same time

still a cloud in my mind about that period

Herr28

04-18-2013, 10:32 AM

Here are some that I remember from the late 80s to the early 90s. I liked a lot of these guys, and some were quite good but pretty well forgotten now. My favorite was Brian Downing at that time. Some have already been mentioned, and others I really liked but were really good I didn't list (Mike Witt, Mark Langston, Wally Joyner)

Terry Forster
Gary Lucas
Don Aase
Dick Schofield
Donnie Moore (maybe better left forgotten)
George Hendrick
Bryan Harvey
Tony Armas
Kirk McCaskill
Rob Wilfong
Gary Pettis
Jack Howell
Rick Burleson
Jerry Narron
Mark McLemore
Ron Romanick
Doug Corbett
John Candelaria
Ken Forsch