The Los Angeles Angels have had Albert Pujols, who is under a 10-year, $10 million personal services contract and will work with both prospects and major leaguers this season, in camp this spring for a few days.
As it turns out, other franchise legends went to LA’s camp on Friday to say hello.
“Troy Percival and Darin Erstad are in attendance at Angels camp today,” Angels insider Sam Blum tweeted.
Troy Percival and Darin Erstad are in attendance at Angels camp today.
—Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) February 24, 2023
Back when they were the Anaheim Angels, the franchise won its first pennant and World Series championship in 2002, 21 years ago.
Erstad, a center fielder, and Percival, the closer, were integral parts of that team together with Garrett Anderson, Troy Glaus, Tim Salmon, David Eckstein, a very young John Lackey, Ramon Ortiz, Jarrod Washburn, and relief sensation Francisco Rodriguez.
That year, Erstad had 10 homers, a .283 average, 73 RBI, and 177 hits; while Percival saved 40 games with an elite 1.92 ERA.
They stunned the San Francisco Giants, led by Barry Bonds, en route to the only Fall Classic victory in franchise history.
They became franchise legends after that.
However, both were with the Angels for at least a decade, building memories and a lifelong relationship with fans.
Percival played with the team from 1995 to 2004, while Erstad did it from 1996 to 2006.
As a fun fact, Erstad played with the organization under three of its names: the California Angels, the Anaheim Angels, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Having them both in camp today surely put a smile on the faces of those old-school fans that enjoyed their remarkable 2002 campaign and the “good” years of the franchise.
NEXT:
Mike Trout Is Happy To Have A Fellow Legend Around
