Alex Johnson is the only player in Angels’ history to win a batting title. Coming into the final game of the season, he was trailing the great Carl Yastrzemski, but could pass him with a 2 for 3 day.
In Johnson’s first at-bat, he grounded out to second, and his chances began to dim. He came up again in the bottom of the third and singled to right. He then scored the game’s first run on Mickey Rivers’ single. In the fifth, Johnson bounced a high chopper to third. He hustled up the line to beat the throw. A cheer went up from the crowd as the scoreboard showed that Alex was now ahead of Yaz. Manager Lefty Phillips immediately lifted him for a pinch runner, and the batting title was his - .3289 to .3286. Not only did he win the title, but the Angels won the game with a walk-off single by Mel Queen in the bottom of the 13th for their 86th win of the season, tying the franchise record.
Afterwards, Johnson claimed that winning the title was the greatest moment of his career. Although it was one of the few bright spots during his tumultuous tenure with the Angels, it was good enough to make the 50 Greatest Moments in Angels’ History.
Afterwards, Johnson claimed that winning the title was the greatest moment of his career. Although it was one of the few bright spots during his tumultuous tenure with the Angels, it was good enough to make the 50 Greatest Moments in Angels’ History.
No comments:
Post a Comment