ANAHEIM -- The games haven't mattered much in the standings, but that's not to say there haven't been some meaningful moments over the past week at Angel Stadium.
The Angels and their fan base have been fortunate to have Tim Salmon's farewell tour and Francisco Rodriguez taking over the club's single-season save record to keep them occupied and excited over the season's final weekend.
"It's been fun for all of us, especially coming off of losing the division title," manager Mike Scioscia said. "I can't tell you how disappointed we were earlier this week when we got eliminated.
"Seeing Tim's farewell and what Francisco has done and what some other guys on our team have accomplished, it's been a little bit of a pick-me-up."
Festivities continued for Salmon, who caught the ceremonial first pitch from his wife, Marci, before Sunday's season finale with the A's. Before a standing ovation, Salmon crouched at home with his two sons, Jacob and Ryan, while Marci stood alongside the couple's daughters, Callie and Katelyn, and tossed a floater toward her husband.
The Angel Stadium groundskeepers also worked through the night to pay homage to Salmon. They mowed his last name in the outfield grass in shallow center and placed a large Angels' "A" above the lettering. Salmon's number 15 was carved into the grass alongside the pitcher's mound.
Salmon, who began the contest one home run shy of No. 300, started at designated hitter and batted third in the final game of his career.
More farewells: Adam Kennedy is another longtime, respected Angels player who might have been playing his last game with the organization.
Scioscia wouldn't unveil the reason he batted the second baseman in the cleanup hole on Sunday, but it was likely a token of appreciation to a veteran who has been with the Angels since 2000.
"You don't know what the future holds for anyone, but he really grew up in this organization," Scioscia said. "He's worked as hard as anyone I've seen in my 30 years of being around baseball."
Full Article:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim : News : Los Angeles Angels News
Notes: Organization fetes Salmon
Notes: Organization fetes Salmon
Linear Mode
