Bobby Grich
Bobby Grich earned his first All-Star nod as a shortstop, but he made his fame as the best second baseman in the American League in the 1970s and early 1980s. Tall for a middle infielder, Grich had very good power, leading the league in homers in 1981, and clubbing 224 long balls for his career. He had excellent range and was known as a fantastic pivot-man, winning four Gold Gloves. Grich suffered poor post-season luck, missing out on the success in Baltimore, and joining in on the perennial autumn failures in Anaheim. After the Halos blew Game Five of the 1986 ALCS and dropped the series to the Red Sox in Game Seven, Grich retired having never played in a World Series.
Played For
Baltimore Orioles (1970-1976)
California Angels (1977-1986)
All-Time Rankings
Bobby Grich ranks #14 among the Top 50 all-time at 2B. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 1981
Typical of this underrated player, Grich had his best offensive performance in the strike-shortened 1981 season. He tied for the lead in homers (22), led the loop in slugging (.543) and hit a career-high .304. In addition, he was still one of the best defensive second baseman in baseball, getting to more balls than just about anyone.
Factoids
Grich's home run title in 1981 (he tied Tony Armas, Dwight Evans and Eddie Murray) was the first by an American League second baseman since Nap Lajoie in 1901.
The 1986 Playoffs
The collapse by the Angels in the '86 Playoffs is well chronicled. What may be forgotten is that Grich, at age 37, hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to put California ahead of Boston in Game Five. The same Game Five that saw the Sox score four runs with two out in the ninth inning and win in extra-innings.
The home run was especially sweet for three reasons: 1) it came at home in front of the home crowd, 2) it brought Grich and the Angels close to their first trip to the Fall Classic, and 3) it helped atone for Grich's terrible post-season past. In 24 games, Grich hit .182 (16-for-88) with five runs scored in the playoffs.
But the Angels lost games six and seven, and Grich and his teammates were devastated. In the clubhouse after the final out of Game Seven, Grich had tears in his eyes when he said, "That series was an emotional roller coaster for everyone involved. I thought we had it." He announced his retirement moments later.
Where He Played
Grich set a major league single season record with his .995 fielding percentage at second base in 1973, and reclaimed the record again 12 seasons later in 1985 (.997).
Born
Robert Anthony Grich was born on January 15, 1949, in Muskegon, MI.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 2B
Primary Team: CAL
College: Fresno State
Major League Debut
June 29, 1970
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1970
Dave Concepcion
Jose Cruz
Don Baylor
Larry Bowa
Ken Singleton
Bobby Grich
Cesar Cedeno
Bert Blyleven
Charlie Hough
Related Players
Davey Johnson, Don Baylor, Rod Carew, Doug DeCinces, Reggie Jackson, Bob Boone, Brian Downing.
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 1992 |
BBWAA |
11 |
2.6% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1973 American League Championship Series
1974 American League Championship Series
1979 American League Championship Series
1982 American League Championship Series
1986 American League Championship Series
Post-Season Notes
Grich's teams lost five playoff series. In four of the series, Grich's teams won the first game, and in 1982 the Angels won the first two games and still lost the series. In 1986, the Angels blew a 3-1 lead in the ALCS.
Awards and Honors
1973 AL Gold Glove
1974 AL Gold Glove
1975 AL Gold Glove
1976 AL Gold Glove
Batting Feats
Notes
On June 1, 1975, Nolan Ryan struck out Grich for the final out in his fourth no-hitter. The win was the 100th of Ryan's career.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
The first back injury of many for Grich, was caused when he carried an air conditioning unit up the stairs of his home, in 1977.
Hitting Streaks
21 games (1981)
20 games (1979)
Transactions
Grich was part of the first free agent class, in 1976. He signed with the Angels for $1.5 million, over five years.
All-Star Selections
1972 AL
1974 AL
1976 AL
1979 AL
1980 AL
1982 AL
Replaced
In 1973, the Orioles traded Davey Johnson to make room for Grich at second base.
Replaced By
Rob Wilfong played second when Grich was injured in his final year, 1986. Mark McLemore became the Angels' starter the next season.
Best Strength as a Player
Defensive range
Largest Weakness as a Player
After his back injuries in the mid-1970s, Grich was a slow baserunner.
Learn More about Bobby Grich
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
