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Tim Salmon

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Tim Salmon
Salmon at theBagram Air Basein May 2008
Right fielder
Born:(1968-08-24)August 24, 1968(age 55)
Long Beach, California,U.S.
Batted:Right
Threw:Right
MLB debut
August 21, 1992, for the California Angels
Last MLB appearance
October 1, 2006, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
MLB statistics
Batting average.282
Home runs299
Runs batted in1,016
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Timothy James Salmon(born August 24, 1968), nicknamed "King Fish",is an American formerprofessional baseballplayer and currentsportcaster.He played his entire career inMajor League Baseball(MLB) from1992to2006with theAnaheim Angelsas anoutfielderanddesignated hitter.Salmon was an integral member of the Angels team that won the2002 World Series.He is an analyst forBally Sports West'sAngels Livepre-and-postgame shows.

Salmon is considered one of the most prolific and beloved players in Angels history.[1]At the time of his retirement, Salmon had the most home runs in Angels history with 299, since surpassed byMike Troutin 2020.[2]He was inducted into theAngels Hall of Famein 2015.[3]

Early life

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Salmon was born on August 24, 1968, inLong Beach, California,and was raised in theBelmont Shoreneighborhood of the city. When he was three years old, Salmon provoked a two-hour search after he wandered out of the house and was found watching games at thebaseball fieldin a local park. Salmon's parents divorced when he was young, causing him to initially move toTexaswith his mother and brother before splitting time between there and his father's house inArizonaunderjoint custody.Salmon cites his older brother and grandmother as sources of stability in his childhood.[4]

Salmon attendedGreenway High SchoolinPhoenix, Arizona.He was a three-sport varsity athlete, primarily playing baseball andfootballwhile also playingbasketball.As a member of the school's football team, Salmon played various positions, mostlypunterandwide receiver,and received scouting interest from variouscollege footballprograms. As a senior in 1986, Salmon was a member of a state championship-winningBabe Ruth Leagueteam. At the age of 17, he was drafted in the 18th round by the Atlanta Braves in the 1986 amateur draft but he did not sign. In high school, Salmon was undecided about which sport to pursue, but he ultimately chose to joinGrand Canyon University's baseball team. In 1988, he playedcollegiate summer baseballwith theCotuit Kettleersof theCape Cod Baseball League.[5]

Professional career

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Minor leagues

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Salmon was selected by theCalifornia Angelsin the third round of the1989 MLB Draft,the 69th overall pick. He was initially assigned to theBend Bucks,an Angels affiliate in theClass A Short SeasonNorthwest League.In his first minor league season, Salmon posted a.245batting averagewith 6home runsand 31RBIsin 55 games. In 1990, he was promoted to theA-AdvancedPalm Springs Angels.During a May 26 game against theSan Bernardino Spirit,Salmon was hit in the face byKerry Woodson'sfastball,fracturing his jaw.[6]He was hospitalized and had his jaw wired shut, sidelining him for a large portion of the season. One doctor likened Salmon's injury to "breaking glass in a sock," but Salmon stated he didn't feel any pain.[7]Up until the injury, he was batting.288 with 2 home runs and 21 RBIs in 36 games. Salmon returned to the field in 1990 with theDouble-AMidland Angels,posting a.268 batting average with 3 home runs and 16 RBIs in 27 games. He spent all of 1991 with Midland, batting.245 and hitting 23 home runs with 94 RBIs in 131 games. In the 1992 season, Salmon was promoted to play for theTriple-AEdmonton Trappers,batting.347 with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs, all of which were new career highs in his minor league tenure.[8]He won theBaseball America Minor League Player of the Year Awardthat season.

Major leagues

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1992–1995: Early success, Rookie of the Year

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On August 20, 1992, Salmon was called up to the big leagues by the Angels. Some baseball media members considered Salmon to be the most anticipated Angels call-up sinceWally Joynerin 1986.[9]He made his MLB debut on August 21, starting in right field and going 0-for-4 with a walk against theNew York YankeesinYankee Stadium.Salmon recorded his first hit the next day, a single off of Yankees starterMélido Pérezin the 7th inning.[10]He recorded his first career home run on August 23, a solo shot to left field off eventual teammateScott Sandersonin the 4th inning.[11]In his brief first season in the majors, Salmon batted.177 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs in 23 games.[12]

In 1993, Salmon joined the team as the everyday starter in right field for his true rookie season. By August, Salmon was batting.279 with 23 home runs and 71 RBIs, earning him media consideration as the frontrunner for theAmerican League'sRookie of the Year award.[13]Salmon finished the season batting.283 with 31 home runs and 95 RBIs. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award, only the fourth AL player ever to receive a unanimous vote.[14]

Salmon started his 1994 season slow. Through May 3, he was batting.225 with 3 home runs, a point at which Angels hitting instructorRod Carewhad a meeting with Salmon, persuading him to be more aggressive at the plate. He took Carew's advice and results quickly followed: in a three-game stretch from May 10 to May 13, Salmon compiled a total of 13 hits, joiningJoe CroninandWalt Dropoin a three-way tie for the most hits in a three-game period in American League history. The set of games included a 5-for-5 performance with 2 home runs in a blowout victory over theSeattle Marinersin theKingdomeon May 13, raising his season batting average to.336 by the end of the day.[15]Salmon received theAL Player of the Week Awardfor May 9–May 15, a first for his career.[16]He finished thestrike-shortenedseason batting.287 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs in 100 games.[12]

1995 was one of Salmon's career-best years at the plate. He set career highs in batting average at.330,on-base plus slugging(OPS) at 1.024, hits with 177, runs with 111, andtotal baseswith 319. He received aSilver Slugger Awardthat year, and his 6.6wins above replacement(WAR) ranked 7th among all players and 5th among position players in the American League. He placed 7th inAL Most Valuable Player Awardvoting.[12]

1996–1999: Move to cleanup spot

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With the emergence of Angels left fielderGarret Andersonin the previous season and continued production from center fielderJim Edmonds,Salmon was the eldest of a young outfield that some members of the media considered to be second-best in the AL, only behind theCleveland Indianstrio ofAlbert Belle,Kenny Lofton,andManny Ramirez.[17]Through April 1996, Salmon was batting.281 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs. By the All-Star break, he was batting.293 with 22 home runs and 58 RBIs, but he did not receive an All-Star selection. Salmon finished the season batting.286 with a team-leading 30 home runs and 98 RBIs. He led AL right fielders in putouts with 302 and was second in right fielderassistswith 13. He led the AL in most games played in the outfield with 153.[12]

In 1997, Salmon was moved to thecleanup spotfor the first time in his career after primarily batting third every year since his true rookie season. The move resulted in an increased amount of RBIs for Salmon, including 60 before the All-Star break. Salmon finished the year batting.296 with 33 home runs and set career-highs inplate appearanceswith 695,At batswith 582, and RBIs with 129. He drove inDarin Erstad23 times andDave Hollins22 times. He led AL outfielders indouble playswith 5 and right field assists with 15. His 129 RBIs ranked 7th in the major leagues. He finished seventh in AL MVP voting, receiving 84 points and a 21% share.[12]

During spring training in 1998, Salmon suffered a strain to hisAchilles tendonbut was able to continue playing. On April 22, Salmon left the game in the third inning after straining thearchin his left foot.[18][19]He was placed on the 15-daydisabled listand would not return until May 9. Salmon was named the AL Player of the Week for August 9, a span in which he batted.480 with 12 hits, 4 home runs, and 9 RBIs.[20]He finished the season batting.300 with 26 home runs and 88 RBI. His.410on-base percentage(OBP) ranked fourth in the American League. Salmon maintained his status as the cleanup batter throughout the year, making 93 of his 130 starts there.[12]

Salmon received the third AL Player of the Week award of his career on April 18, 1999, after batting.481 with 2 home runs and 12 RBIs.[21]On May 3, Salmon was removed from a game with an injury to his left wrist; X-rays taken that evening were negative and he was diagnosed with a sprain.[22]On May 11, Salmon was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 4.[23]Salmon missed 62 games with the injury and did not return until July 17. He finished the 1999 season batting.266 with 17 home runs and 69 RBIs in 98 games.[12]

2000–2002: Veteran presence and World Series

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With longtime pitcherChuck Finleydeparting the team after 1999 and shortstopGary DiSarcinaplaying his final MLB game on May 8, Salmon became the longest-tenured player on the field for the Angels early in the 2000 season. He received his fourth career AL Player of the Week award on August 6 after batting.583 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs.[24]On August 18, Salmon hit a fourth-inning home run offRoger Clemens,the 223rd home run of his career, surpassingBrian Downingfor the most in Angels history.[25]He earned the Player of the Week award again for August 27 after batting.500 with 2 home runs, one of which gave him his 30th on the year and made the Angels the first AL team that season to have four different players hit 30 home runs.[26]His season stats improved from his injury-shortened 1999 season, batting.290 with 34 home runs and 97 RBIs while setting career highs in games played with 158 and walks with 104. His 108 runs scored ranked 10th in the AL and his 4 outfield double plays ranked second.[12]

During the 2000–01 offseason, Salmon underwent surgery on both his right foot and his left shoulder, preventing him from conducting his regular weight training regimen. During spring training, he suffered a strain on his abdomen. Before the start of the season, Salmon, who was about to finish a four-year contract, briefly considered signing with theArizona Diamondbacks,but instead signed a four-year, $40-million extension with the Angels. Through the first month of the 2001 season, Salmon batted.233 with 3 home runs, 10 RBIs, and 12 strikeouts. His struggles continued throughout the season and his batting average dipped to a season-low.195 on May 26. By the end of the season, he was batting.227, a career-low when excluding his abbreviated 1992 call-up season. He hit 17 home runs and 49 RBIs in 137 games. Team managerMike Sciosciaattributed Salmon's struggles to the two surgeries and spring training injury he endured.[27][28]

In 2002, Salmon's regular season stats rebounded as he batted.286 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs in 138 games. He helped lead the Angels to a 99-win season and a berth into the2002 American League Division Seriesas the wild card team – it was the first postseason appearance of Salmon's career and the first for the Angels franchise since the1986 American League Championship Series.During the ALDS, Salmon went 5-for-19 (.263) with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in the team's 3–1 series victory over theNew York Yankees.During the2002 American League Championship Series,he went 3-for-14 (.214) with 3 walks as the Angels sealed their first everAmerican League pennantand a trip to theWorld Serieswith a 4–1 series victory over theMinnesota Twins.[12]During Game 2 of the2002 World Series,Salmon went 4-for-4 with 2 home runs, the first being a 2-run home run offRuss Ortizin the second inning to make the score 7–4 Angels and the second also coming as a 2-run home run off ofFélix Rodríguezto break the tie and give the Angels the 11–9 lead en route to their 11–10 victory. In Game 3, Salmon went 1-for-4 with an RBI, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored, and a stolen base. During Game 6, he went 2-for-4. Overall, Salmon went 9-for-26 (.346) with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 4 walks, and a 1.067 OPS as the Angels defeated theSan Francisco Giantsto win their first ever World Series. Salmon posted a 21.89% championshipwin probability added(cWPA) during the series, the highest out of anyone on the team and second-highest in the series behindBarry Bonds's 22.94%.[29]

2003–2006: Surgery and final seasons

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In 2003, his age-34 season, Salmon faced a positional change for the first time in his career as heplatoonedwithJeff DaVanonin right field and made the rest of his appearances as adesignated hitter.He played 78 games in right field and 68 as the designated hitter. He finished the season batting.275 with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs.[12]

In 2004, Salmon's stint as a primary outfielder for the team effectively came to an end as he was the designated hitter in 39 appearances, pinch hitter in 14, and outfielder in 8. Through 60 games, Salmon was batting.253 with 2 home runs and 23 RBIs. On July 26, Salmon told the media that he was contemplating retiring after the 2005 season, the extent of his contract. On August 12, it was announced that Salmon would need surgery for historn rotator cuffandbicepstendon. He signaled a desire to finish out the season and help the Angels in their playoff hunt before undergoing the procedure. By August 29, Salmon was experiencing too much pain in his arm to swing a bat but still said he hoped to return that season; he was placed on the 15-day disabled list in the meantime. On September 1, Salmon decided to undergo the surgery that would end his 2004 season and likely sideline him for all of 2005 due to its expected eight-to-10 month recovery window. Because Salmon's contract was due to expire following the 2005 season, there was speculation that the injury and subsequent surgery could be career-ending.[30]As expected, Salmon missed all of the 2005 season while recovering.[12]

In January 2006, a 37-year-old Salmon was extended a non-roster invite to spring training.[31]Following spring training, Salmon made the major league roster and signed a one-year deal worth $400,000 to serve as a designated hitter. On May 13, Salmon hit the 1,000th RBI of his career, followingGarret Andersonas the second player in Angels history to drive in 1,000 runs for the franchise.[32]On September 28, Salmon announced he would officially retire at the end of the 2006 season.[33]He played his final major league game on October 1, 2006, against theOakland Athletics.His name and jersey number were cut into the infield and outfield grass of the playing field atAngel Stadium.Salmon finished his major league career with a.282 batting average, 1,674 hits, 299 home runs, 1,016 RBIs, 986 runs scored, 48 stolen bases, a.385 OBP,.498 SLG, 128OPS+,40.5 WAR, and 1,672 games played.[12]

Legacy

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Salmon (left) throwing aceremonial first pitchalongsideDavid Eckstein(center) andTroy Percival(right) in 2012

As of 2024, Salmon is the Angels' all-time leader inwalks(965). He is second in franchise history with 299home runs,1,016RBIsand 986runs scored.He is one of only three Angels players to have won theRookie of the Yearaward,[34]the others beingMike Troutin 2012 andShohei Ohtaniin 2018.

Salmon returned to Angel Stadium as a player in the 2010All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Gamewhere he received a standing ovation before hitting two home runs for theAmerican Leagueand receiving the game's MVP award.[35][36]

Salmon's jersey number, 15, has not been officially retired by the Angels. The number was out of circulation from his retirement until the team issued it toRandal Grichukin 2023. On August 22, 2015, Salmon was inducted into theAngels Hall of Famealongside former pitchersDean ChanceandMike Wittduring a pregame ceremony atAngel Stadium.[37]On August 29, 2016, he was inducted into thePacific Coast League Hall of Famewith a ceremony atSmith's BallparkinSalt Lake City,the home of the Angels' Triple-A affiliateSalt Lake Bees.[38]

Personal life

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Salmon, his wife Marci, and their four children reside inScottsdale, Arizona.[39]While Salmon was with the Angels, the family lived inNewport Beach, California.[40]His son played baseball while his daughter played softball.[41]

Salmon is aChristian.During his time with the Angels, he would lead weekly chapel services in the team's clubhouse.[42]Salmon has served as the head baseball coach atScottsdale Christian Academysince 2015.[43]He coached his son from 2015 to 2018.[41]

See also

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References

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  1. ^Mitchell, Houston (May 31, 2013)."The 10 greatest Angels of all time: No. 2 -- Tim Salmon".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedApril 29,2022.
  2. ^Williams, James (September 5, 2020)."Photos: Mike Trout breaks Angels' HR record with No. 300".Orange County Register.Southern California News Group.RetrievedApril 29,2022.
  3. ^"California Angels Hall of Fame at".mlb.RetrievedDecember 23,2019.
  4. ^"Ex Angels star Tim Salmon holds onto Long Beach roots".Orange County Register.Southern California News Group. December 15, 2013.RetrievedApril 29,2022.
  5. ^"Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League"(PDF).capecodbaseball.org.RetrievedJanuary 9,2020.
  6. ^"Injury sidelines top Angel hitter".The Desert Sun.Palm Springs, California:Gannett.May 28, 1990. p. D3.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  7. ^"Outfielder faces recovery head-on".The Desert Sun.Gannett. July 24, 1990. p. D1.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  8. ^"Tim Salmon Minor League Stats".Baseball Reference.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  9. ^Cizek, Bill (August 21, 1992)."So long 'Wally's World,' hello 'Salmon Roe'".News-Pilot.San Pedro, California: Copley. p. B1.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  10. ^"California Angels at New York Yankees Box Score".Baseball Reference.August 22, 1992.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  11. ^"California Angels at New York Yankees Box Score".Baseball Reference.August 23, 1992.RetrievedApril 30,2022.
  12. ^abcdefghijkl"Tim Salmon Stats".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMay 1,2022.
  13. ^Gholson, Nick (August 12, 1993)."No contest: Salmon AL's top rookie".Times Record News.Wichita Falls, Texas:Harte Hanks.p. D1.RetrievedMay 1,2022.
  14. ^"Angels' outfield star named top AL rookie".Bridgeport, New Jersey:Courier News.Associated Press.October 29, 1993. p. B5.RetrievedMay 1,2022.
  15. ^Cour, Jim (May 15, 1994)."Salmon smoking, stroking hits at record clip during tear".The Desert Sun. Associated Press. p. B2.RetrievedMay 3,2022.
  16. ^"Major League Baseball Players of the Week".Baseball Reference.RetrievedMay 3,2022.
  17. ^"AL Preview".Hartford Courant.March 30, 1996.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  18. ^Schmuck, Peter (April 23, 1998)."Angels rally, end O's trip on sour note".Baltimore Sun.pp. 1D and 6D.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  19. ^"Covering all the bases".The Daily Breeze.Torrance, California. April 23, 1998. p. D8.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  20. ^"Salmon wins AL Player of the Week".The Signal.Santa Clarita, California. August 11, 1998. p. B2.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  21. ^DiGiovanna, Mike (April 21, 1999)."Angels Report".Los Angeles Times.p. D10.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  22. ^Foster, Chris (May 4, 1999)."Defeat Doesn't Hurt as Much".Los Angeles Times.p. D.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  23. ^"Salmon Goes on Disabled List".Los Angeles Times.May 12, 1999. p. D8.RetrievedAugust 30,2022.
  24. ^"Elarton, Clark, Salmon honored".Honolulu Star-Bulletin.August 8, 2000. p. B2.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  25. ^DiGiovanna, Mike (August 19, 2000)."Erstad's Heroics Are Just Super for Angels".Los Angeles Times.p. D1.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  26. ^Verrell, Gordon (August 29, 2000)."Salmon saluted again".The Californian.Temecula, California. p. C4.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  27. ^Newhan, Ross (August 26, 2001)."Slumping Salmon Doesn't Shirk Blame".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  28. ^"The 100 Greatest Angels: # 1 Tim Salmon".halosheaven.March 2, 2006.
  29. ^"2002 World Series - Anaheim Angels".Baseball Reference.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  30. ^DiGiovanna, Mike (September 2, 2004)."Surgeries Could End Salmon's Angel Career".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  31. ^Padilla, Doug (January 7, 2006)."Sports Wire: Salmon invited by the Angels".San Bernardino Sun.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  32. ^DiGiovanna, Mike (May 14, 2006)."Milestone Not Especially Grand to Salmon".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  33. ^Scarr, Mike (September 28, 2006)."Salmon officially announces retirement".losangeles.angels.mlb. Archived fromthe originalon February 21, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 11,2014.
  34. ^Nightengale, Bob (October 29, 1993)."Salmon Makes It Unanimous: Baseball: Outfielder is the runaway choice as Angels' first rookie of the year, giving local teams a sweep of the award".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJune 24,2020.
  35. ^"Tim Salmon is a hit at Angel Stadium".Los Angeles Times.July 11, 2010.
  36. ^Wolke, Dan (July 12, 2010)."Salmon stars in celebrity softball game".Orange County Register.RetrievedJune 24,2020.
  37. ^Adler, David (August 22, 2015)."Salmon, Chance, Witt join Angels Hall of Fame".MLB.MLB Advanced Media.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  38. ^Wood, Trent (August 29, 2016)."A Bee for a day: Angels great Tim Salmon inducted into PCL Hall of Fame".Deseret News.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  39. ^"About Tim Salmon - Tim Salmon Foundation".
  40. ^"At Home with Tim Salmon".April 2016.
  41. ^abObert, Richard (April 6, 2016)."Tim Salmon making impact as Scottsdale Christian coach".The Arizona Republic.Gannett.RetrievedAugust 31,2022.
  42. ^Shaikin, Bill (December 14, 1997)."Hit By A Bombshell".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJuly 24,2020.
  43. ^"For Tim Salmon, being a high school coach is about 'more than just baseball'".Los Angeles Times.March 2021.
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