Los Angeles Angels: 2002
Still named the Anaheim Angels at the time, the 2002 American League Baseball Team of Los Angeles won the only World Series title in franchise history. The run to the title will forever be remembered for the rise of the Rally Monkey and thunder sticks. For once in their time in the league, the Angels were the kings of Los Angeles.
Speaking to their scrappiness, the 2002 Angels were led in WAR by dirt dogs Darin Erstad and David Eckstein. Erstad hit .283/.313/.389 with 23 stolen bases. Eckstein turned in a .293/.363/.388 line with 21 stolen bases of his own. Franchise icons Tim Salmon and Garrett Anderson teamed up to produce 51 home runs and 211 RBI. Troy Glaus provided the raw power with 30 homers and 111 RBI. Overall, the Angels were a very balanced team, with eight players driving in at least 50 runs.
Even in the height of the Steroid Era, the Angels were able to turn in a sub-4.00 staff ERA. Jarrod Washburn had a career year, winning 18 games with a 3.15 ERA. He was backed up by Ramon Ortiz, Kevin Appier and rookie John Lackey.
In the World Series, the Angels found themselves pitted against the San Francisco Giants. The two teams could not have been more diametrically opposite. The Angels had finished 10th in the AL in home runs. The Giants were led by Barry Bonds at the apex of his “powers.” The Series was an instant classic, going seven games with four decided by one run. The Angels were able to shake off a 16-4 beating in Game 5 to win the final two games and claim the title. Glaus took home the MVP after hitting three home runs and driving in eight.