#37 Albie Pearson, OF (1961-1966)

Albie, the 1958 Rookie of the Year, was drafted by the Angels in the 1960 expansion draft. The diminutive leadoff man (5’ 5 ½”, 140 lbs.) immediately made his mark on the franchise, drawing the club’s first walk and scoring the team’s first run. He finished the year with 96 walks (T7th) and a .420 OB% (4^th). During the Angels surprising pennant run in 1962, Albie drew 95 walks (T9th), led the league with 115 runs (T7th), and had 17.1 AB/SO (6^th). In 1963, Albie was named an All-Star, and even earned some MVP votes, after batting .304 (the Angels first ever .300+ season), getting on base 271 times (8^th) with a LL (league-leading) 139 singles. His 21.2 AB/SO in ’65 rank 2^nd in team history.

Albie re-injured his back during spring training in 1966. His attempted comeback lasted only three at bats before he decided to hang up the spikes for good. In 5 years with the Angels, Albie ranks among the Angels’ career leaders with:

- a .379 OB% (4^th)

- a .601 offensive win % (6^th)

- a club record 14.7 AB per SO (1^st)