Los Angeles Angels: Players That Should Never be Forgotten

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 02: Members of the Los Angeles Angels hold the jersey of Tyler Skaggs #45 of the Los Angeles Angels during a moment of silence before taking on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 02, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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(Photo credit should read INTI OCON/AFP/Getty Images) /

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.

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