Los Angeles Angels: Players That Should Never be Forgotten
The Los Angeles Angels community is filled with sadness after pitcher Tyler Skaggs died suddenly in his hotel room of unknown causes at the young age of 27. In his memory, let’s reflect on previous members of the Angels that left us too soon.
These tragic events will often cause us to reflect back and think of others who were taken from us too soon. Los Angeles Angels history in this regard is particularly intriguing since they had more players who died unexpectedly than any other franchise. As we mourn for Tyler Skaggs will take a moment to pay tribute to other Angels players who left us suddenly while in the prime of their life.
Nick Adenhart
Pitcher Nick Adenhart lifetime dream came true after he went 3-0 in spring training and was brought up to the majors. He was an up and coming player with a bright future as a major league pitcher, something he had worked his whole life to accomplish.
His future was so bright that Baseball America named him as the Angels best prospect in 2009. After playing just four games in the majors, Nick Adenhart was tragically killed by a drunk driver at the young age of 22. The driver who killed Adenhart was driving with a suspended license.
Lyman Bostock
Outfielder Lyman Bostock played four seasons in the majors and was on the Los Angeles Angels roster in 1978. After joining the Angel’s he had the best season of his life racking up 168 hits with an impressive .296 batting average. He was so good that he ranked 23 in the MVP voting and helped the Angels finish second in the American League West with a record of 87-75. In a bizarre series of events, Bostock was shot and killed on in September 1978 while driving through his hometown of Gary, Indiana. Bostock and his female companion were driving to a dinner party when a jealous lover pulled aside their car intending to kill Barbara, but instead, he misfired killing Bostock instantly.
Mike Miley
Shortstop Mike Miley played two years in the majors for the Angels. The talented and athletic Miley attended LSU and played baseball and football. He was the starting quarterback for two years at LSU until he quit football to pursue a professional baseball career. While working hard as a major league shortstop, Mike Miley was suddenly killed in a single car accident when he was thrown out of his car and run over by the vehicle. He died at the young age of 23 in January 1977.
Chico Ruiz
Chico Ruiz played eight years in the majors, two with the Los Angeles Angels and six with the Reds. He was a stellar prospect from Cuba and was one of the last players to leave Cuba before its borders closed. Ruiz was a dynamic utility man who played second, third, and was a pinch-hitter throughout his career. On top of all that talent, Ruiz was a switch hitter confusing opposing pitchers. Perhaps he will best be remembered for stealing home with legendary Frank Robinson at the plate leading his team to a dramatic victory. Tragically, Chico Ruiz was killed while playing for the Angel’s in a car accident in 1972 at the age of 33.
Dick Wantz
Pitcher Dick Wantz was a right-handed pitcher who died when he was just 25 years old in 1965. Dick was only able to pitch one game in the majors before his life was cut short. Dick made it to the majors but was not able to reach his potential because an aggressive and malignant brain tumor took his life after just one game.
We will respect and never forget these players who were taken away from us while in the prime of their life. Each tragedy caused the Los Angeles Angels community great sorrow and sadness when they lost a friend and teammate. Some of these players seemed to be headed for greatness, both on and off the fields. As a baseball community, we should never forget their legacies during the short time they had living their childhood dream.