In the club’s 58-year existence, just six numbers have been retired, and only half honor Angels players. While the Angels’ Hall of Fame has grown in recent years, a number of retirement remains designated for legends of the organization.
Here are the Angels’ six retired numbers.
No. 26: Gene Autry
Retired: 1982
After the American League revealed intentions to send an expansion team to Los Angeles, Autry became the inaugural owner of the Angels in 1961. From 1983 until his death on Oct. 2, 1998, Autry owned the team and was vice president of the American League. The Angels retired Autry’s No. 26 at the request of the players.
No. 29. Rod Carew, 1B:
Retired: 1986
On Feb. 3, 1979, the Angels got Carew from the Twins for Kenny Landreaux, Dave Engel, Brad Havens, and Paul Hartzell. From 1979-84, Carew played seven seasons in Anaheim, collecting six All-Star selections. On Aug. 4, 1985, Carew became the 16th member of the elite club and the first in an Angels outfit. In 1991, he was elected to the Baseball Hall.
No. 30 Nolan Ryan (RHP)
Retired: 1992
Ryan was acquired from the Mets on Dec. 10, 1971, as part of the legendary five-player deal for shortstop Jim Fregosi. During his eight years in Anaheim, he was an All-Star five times, threw four no-hitters, and had a 3.07 ERA in 291 innings. It’s no surprise that Ryan departed as the franchise’s all-time leader in complete games (156), shutouts (40), and strikeouts (2,416). (27). In 1999, he was elected to the Baseball Hall.
No. 50. Coach Jimmie Reese
Retired: 1995
Reese played with the Angels for 23 years, the second-longest tenure in team history. After a year as a batboy for the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League, he spent three seasons with the Yankees and Cardinals. In 1972, at the age of 71, Reese joined the Angels coaching staff, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Reese was elected honorary captain of the American League squad during the 1992 Midsummer Classic in San Diego.
No. 11. Jim Fregosi, SS:
Retired: 1998
Fregosi was acquired from the Red Sox in the Expansion Draft on Dec. 14, 1960. In his 11 seasons in Anaheim, he was selected to six All-Star games and won one Gold Glove. Fregosi was dealt with the Mets in 1971 for future Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.
Fregosi resigned from baseball on May 31, 1978, and took over the Angels two days later. In his first full season as manager, the Angels won 88-74, winning their first division title. In nearly four seasons as Angels manager, Fregosi went 237-248. As a result, he led the team in games played (142), at-bats (544), and triples (408) (70)
No. 42. Robinson Jackie
On April 15, 1997, the Angels retired No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.
