Los Angeles Angels All-Time Roster
By David Hill
LA Angels all-time roster — Catcher: Bob Boone (1982-1988)
Bob Boone was a solid offensive catcher during his time with the Los Angeles Angels franchise, but he truly excelled behind the plate. Although on the wrong side of 30 during his time in California, Boone proved to be a decent hitter and a steady presence on the field.
Although he was no longer the hitter he had been during his time with the Phillies, Boone was able to provide some power and a stellar ability to put the bat on the ball. He may have only produced a .245/.297/.323 batting line, but he also struck out only 248 times in 3391 plate appearances with the Angels. Boone could protect the plate, and helped out in ways that did not appear in the box score.
Defensively, Boone was still a star. He won four Gold Gloves with the Angels, including one at age 39 (he’d win another one the following year at age 40 with the Royals). He led the American League in caught stealing percentage three times while in California, including a stellar 58% mark in his first season there in 1982. During those seven years, Boone saved an incredible 82 runs for the Angels.
The Angels all-time WAR leader amongst catchers, most of his value came from his defense. His DEF ranking on Fangraphs (a stat that combines fielding runs above average and positional adjustment) was 136.8, besting Gary Carter, the second highest-rated catcher, by 35.8.
The Los Angeles Angels, especially during Mike Scioscia’s time as manager, have preferred catchers with an excellent glove and decent offense. Bob Boone would have fit in perfectly.
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