Los Angeles Angels All-Time Roster
By David Hill
LA Angels all-time roster — Second Base: Bobby Grich (1977-1986)
A vastly underrated player in baseball history, Bobby Grich was not only a power-hitting second baseman, but also had a solid glove and the ability to draw a walk at a time when that skill was underappreciated.
During his time with the Angels, Grich made three All-Star Game, won a Silver Slugger award in 1981, when he tied for the American League lead in home runs, and finished 8th in the 1979 MVP race. In his best season in 1981, when he also led the league in OPS+ and slugging, Grich was left off the All-Star team and only finished 14th in the MVP award balloting.
During his decade in California, Grich proved to have plenty of pop in his bat. He hit double-digit home runs in seven consecutive years, an impressive feat for a time when middle infielders were just meant to be fast and catch the ball. He was also an on-base machine, showing a tremendous batting eye and routinely rating amongst the league leaders in walks.
That did not mean that Grich was a liability on defense. Although he never won a Gold Glove with the Angels after winning four in Baltimore, he still provided plenty of value defensively. Although he only was worth nine runs saved, he was an above-average second baseman who was able to make the plays needed. Age may have slowed him down, but he was still a solid player in the field.
Far and away the best second baseman in the history of the Los Angeles Angels, Bobby Grich was a borderline Hall of Famer whose career is only starting to get the recognition it deserves. His time on the Angels, meanwhile, places him firmly in the all time starting lineup.
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