Tim Salmon
Encyclopedia
Timothy James Salmon is a former Major League Baseball
right fielder
and designated hitter
who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels
(appearing with the team under all three of its recent names
). Known affectionately among Angels fans as the King Fish, he is considered one of the greatest players in the Angels' franchise history.
in Phoenix
, made his major league debut in 1992, the same year that he won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award
.
In his first full season the next year, Salmon was named the American League
's Rookie of the Year
for and quickly became a favorite of the Angels' organization and a household name among the team's fans. He maintained his status as one of the league's elite power-hitting outfielders throughout the decade. He finished seventh in MVP voting totals for the first time in , when he won a Silver Slugger Award, finished third in the league with a .330 batting average, and posted an OPS above 1.000. That year, he was the first major league player to get a hit off future closer for the New York Yankees
, Mariano Rivera
. He finished seventh again in when he had a career high 129 RBIs. After playing in fewer than 100 games in , he tied a career high 34 home runs in . From 1993 to 2000 he only had two OPS lines below .900 and he never finished below .860.
Before the season, Salmon, who was about to finish a four-year contract signed before the season, briefly considered signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks
, but signed a four-year, $40 million extension with the Angels.
run in , hitting two key home runs in Game 2 of the World Series
against the San Francisco Giants
and batting .346 with a 1.067 OPS in the series overall.
Following a solid season, Salmon appeared in only 60 games for the Angels in . After being sidelined for the entire season to recover from left knee and right rotator cuff surgery, a return was doubtful. Deciding against ending his career on those terms, however, Salmon dedicated himself to becoming healthy enough to play one final season in 2006. On December 2, 2005, the Angels announced that they had agreed to terms on a minor league
contract with Salmon, making him a non-roster invitee to the team's spring training
. Though he preferred to return to the Angels, Salmon was aware that he was considered unlikely to make the team's roster, but he saw the opportunity to play with the team during the exhibition season as a chance to potentially audition for other teams.
However, Salmon turned in a surprisingly strong performance during Spring Training and secured a role for himself with the Angels. At the end of the exhibition, the team announced that Salmon had made their roster, meaning he would earn a $400,000 salary for the 2006 season. Salmon spent the season as a designated hitter and reserve outfielder. He indicated that making it through the season successfully would mean that he accomplished his goal of being able to end his career on his own terms. In any respect, Salmon's 2006 season was a significant improvement over his meager 2004 campaign. He finished the season with an .811 OPS over 76 games, having passed 1000 career RBIs and boosted his career home run total to 299.
Despite setting the Angels' franchise record for home runs and finishing his career with over 1,000 RBIs, Salmon was never selected as an All-Star during his 14 year career. Salmon's career home run total is the highest for any player in MLB history who played most of his career after the first All-Star game in 1933 to have never been selected to appear in an All-Star Game
.
. His name and jersey number were cut into the infield and outfield grass of the playing field at Angel Stadium.
He returned to Angel Stadium as a player in the 2010 All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game
where he received a standing ovation before hitting two home runs for the American League
and receiving the game's MVP award.
Salmon's number (15) with the Angels has not been retired yet, but it has not been used by an Angel since his retirement. When Dan Haren
was traded to the Angels from the Arizona Diamondbacks
on July 25, 2010, he requested number 24 instead of his usual 15 out of respect for Salmon.
s (299), runs scored (983), walks
(965) and slugging percentage (.499). He is second in franchise history with 1016 RBI
s, behind Garret Anderson
. He remains the franchise's only player to have won the Rookie of the Year
award.
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
right fielder
Right fielder
A right fielder, abbreviated RF, is the outfielder in baseball or softball who plays defense in right field. Right field is the area of the outfield to the right of a person standing at home plate and facing towards the pitcher's mound...
and designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
who played his entire career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
(appearing with the team under all three of its recent names
History of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
'The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city that was their original home, Los Angeles, and was inspired by a...
). Known affectionately among Angels fans as the King Fish, he is considered one of the greatest players in the Angels' franchise history.
Career prime
Salmon who had been selected in the third round of the Major League Baseball Draft in 1989 out of Grand Canyon UniversityGrand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a for-profit Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. It is owned by Grand Canyon Education . GCU was founded in 1949 as a non-profit liberal arts college. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. purchased Grand Canyon University in February 2004...
in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, made his major league debut in 1992, the same year that he won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award
Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award
Listed below in chronological order are the Minor League Baseball players chosen by Baseball America as recipients of the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award...
.
In his first full season the next year, Salmon was named the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
's Rookie of the Year
MLB Rookie of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
for and quickly became a favorite of the Angels' organization and a household name among the team's fans. He maintained his status as one of the league's elite power-hitting outfielders throughout the decade. He finished seventh in MVP voting totals for the first time in , when he won a Silver Slugger Award, finished third in the league with a .330 batting average, and posted an OPS above 1.000. That year, he was the first major league player to get a hit off future closer for the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera
Mariano Rivera is a Panamanian right-handed baseball pitcher who has played 17 years in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "Mo", Rivera has served as a relief pitcher for most of his career, and since 1997, he has been the Yankees' closer...
. He finished seventh again in when he had a career high 129 RBIs. After playing in fewer than 100 games in , he tied a career high 34 home runs in . From 1993 to 2000 he only had two OPS lines below .900 and he never finished below .860.
Before the season, Salmon, who was about to finish a four-year contract signed before the season, briefly considered signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
, but signed a four-year, $40 million extension with the Angels.
World Series and comebacks
Salmon's 2001 season was largely disappointing as he finished with career lows for full seasons in a number of categories. Nevertheless he followed it up with what may have been his most meaningful season. After a resurgent regular season for which he was named the AL Comeback Player of the Year, Salmon was a crucial part of the Angels' playoff and World SeriesWorld Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
run in , hitting two key home runs in Game 2 of the World Series
2002 World Series
The 2002 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff series to determine the champion of Major League Baseball for the 2002 season. It was the 98th such contest between the champions of the American League and National League , and featured the AL champion Anaheim Angels against the NL champion San...
against the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and batting .346 with a 1.067 OPS in the series overall.
Following a solid season, Salmon appeared in only 60 games for the Angels in . After being sidelined for the entire season to recover from left knee and right rotator cuff surgery, a return was doubtful. Deciding against ending his career on those terms, however, Salmon dedicated himself to becoming healthy enough to play one final season in 2006. On December 2, 2005, the Angels announced that they had agreed to terms on a minor league
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
contract with Salmon, making him a non-roster invitee to the team's spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. Though he preferred to return to the Angels, Salmon was aware that he was considered unlikely to make the team's roster, but he saw the opportunity to play with the team during the exhibition season as a chance to potentially audition for other teams.
However, Salmon turned in a surprisingly strong performance during Spring Training and secured a role for himself with the Angels. At the end of the exhibition, the team announced that Salmon had made their roster, meaning he would earn a $400,000 salary for the 2006 season. Salmon spent the season as a designated hitter and reserve outfielder. He indicated that making it through the season successfully would mean that he accomplished his goal of being able to end his career on his own terms. In any respect, Salmon's 2006 season was a significant improvement over his meager 2004 campaign. He finished the season with an .811 OPS over 76 games, having passed 1000 career RBIs and boosted his career home run total to 299.
Despite setting the Angels' franchise record for home runs and finishing his career with over 1,000 RBIs, Salmon was never selected as an All-Star during his 14 year career. Salmon's career home run total is the highest for any player in MLB history who played most of his career after the first All-Star game in 1933 to have never been selected to appear in an All-Star Game
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
.
Retirement
On September 27, 2006, Salmon announced he would retire at the end of the 2006 season. He played his final Major League game on October 1, 2006, against the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. His name and jersey number were cut into the infield and outfield grass of the playing field at Angel Stadium.
He returned to Angel Stadium as a player in the 2010 All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game
Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game
The Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game is an annual game that brings former Major League Baseball all-stars and celebrities in a friendly exhibition. The game is played the day before the Home Run Derby....
where he received a standing ovation before hitting two home runs for the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
and receiving the game's MVP award.
Salmon's number (15) with the Angels has not been retired yet, but it has not been used by an Angel since his retirement. When Dan Haren
Dan Haren
Daniel John Haren is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.- High-school and college career :...
was traded to the Angels from the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
on July 25, 2010, he requested number 24 instead of his usual 15 out of respect for Salmon.
Career accomplishments
As of the end of the 2006 season, Salmon is the Angels' all-time leader in home runHome run
In baseball, a home run is scored when the ball is hit in such a way that the batter is able to reach home safely in one play without any errors being committed by the defensive team in the process...
s (299), runs scored (983), walks
Base on balls
A base on balls is credited to a batter and against a pitcher in baseball statistics when a batter receives four pitches that the umpire calls balls. It is better known as a walk. The base on balls is defined in Section 2.00 of baseball's Official Rules, and further detail is given in 6.08...
(965) and slugging percentage (.499). He is second in franchise history with 1016 RBI
Run batted in
Runs batted in or RBIs is a statistic used in baseball and softball to credit a batter when the outcome of his at-bat results in a run being scored, except in certain situations such as when an error is made on the play. The first team to track RBI was the Buffalo Bisons.Common nicknames for an RBI...
s, behind Garret Anderson
Garret Anderson
Garret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
. He remains the franchise's only player to have won the Rookie of the Year
MLB Rookie of the Year Award
In Major League Baseball, the Rookie of the Year Award is annually given to one player from each league as voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America . The award was established in 1940 by the Chicago chapter of the BBWAA, which selected an annual winner from 1940 through 1946...
award.
Personal
- Salmon's cousin is actress Holly HunterHolly HunterHolly Hunter is an American actress. Hunter starred in The Piano for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has also been nominated for Oscars for her roles in Broadcast News, The Firm, and Thirteen...
. - Salmon is the founder of the Tim Salmon Foundation which supports children in need.
- He now lives in Scottsdale Arizona with his wife and 4 kids: Callie, Jacob, Katelyn, and Ryan.
See also
- List of top 300 Major League Baseball home run hitters
- List of Major League Baseball players with 1000 RBI