Monkeys and Fish Are Part of the Angels' Tradition and Legacy

Post date: Sep 23, 2012 3:33:32 AM

As a fan, it is difficult if not near impossible to lose faith in one's team. Such is the case for the Angels this year; with 10 games to play they find themselves only three games out of the American League Wild Card play in game due to the loss of the Oakland Athletics to the New York Yankees.

The Angels are contending until the end. The play of Jared Weaver, Zack Greinke, Albert Pujols, and Torii Hunter are influential factors in the success of the halos. With the win yesterday the Angels secured themselves a winning season no matter the outcome; whether they make the postseason or not.

Monkeys and Fish have become part of the Angels' tradition and legacy. Who can forget the influence of the Rally Monkey during the 2002 World Series run. The Angels led the major leagues in comeback wins. The rally monkey supplied Angels' fans with energy, and the Angels team fed off the energy that ultimately helped them win the 2002 World Series. 2002 was also a memorable year for Tim Salmon, "Mr. Angel" or as Angels' fans lovingly refer to him "The King Fish" the only Angel in team history to spend his entire career in Anaheim. The Angels success has been often predicated and associated with different species of fish.

As stated above there are many players who are influential in the Angels success this season. None more than Angels rookie Mike Trout who should easily win the American League Rookie of the Year, and depending on whether the Angels make the playoffs he should be in consideration for the American League Most Valuable Player award. The description as Trout as a phenom is very accurate, his phenomenal numbers include a .326 Batting Average, 28 Home Runs, 78 Runs Batted in, 46 Stolen Bases and a .395 On-Base Percentage. Phenomenal numbers by any stretch of the imagination, for a rookie or a veteran.

I sincerely hope the Angels re-sign veteran Torii Hunter regardless of the log jam in the Angels' outfield. He is the heart and soul of this team, and deserves is a generally shot at a World Series championship. He is definitely interested in returning to the team; and I for one, would love to have him back. He has a career-high .305 Batting Average with 84 Runs Batted in, and he is also a great humanitarian and I am proud to have him as a member of the Angels. He is also one of my personal all-time persons.

With 10 games to play the Angels are in the thick of the postseason race, let's hope my next post is one of us celebratory nature, rather than one that looks forward to the 2013 season.

-ICE