Bobby Knoop---1965
For the California Angels in the mid-
1960s, the middle of the diamond
was patrolled by second baseman
Bobby Knoop and shortstop Jim
Fregosi. While neither swung much
of a stick, especially Knoop, the pair
sparkled in the field. Knoop garnered
three Gold Gloves, while Fregosi
grabbed one. The duo both won the
coveted defensive award for their
respective position in 1967.
After Fregosi closed out his 18-year
career part-way into the 1978, the
Angels tabbed their former shortstop
to take over as skipper of the club.
Fregosi led the Halos to a second
place finish in the AL West.
As the Angels reloaded for the 1979
season, Fregosi was allowed to hire
his own coaching staff; which would
include former teammate, No. 29,
Bobby Knoop.
Well, prior to the opening of Spring
Training in 1979, the Angels pulled
off one of sweet trade with
Minnesota, bringing seven-time
American League batting champ Rod
Carew to California. The future Hall
of Famer wore No. 29 with the Twins.
Knoop later related that Fregosi’s
response to the No. 29 dilemma,
“#%$& Knoop!”
Thus, Knoop wore No. 2 as an
Angels coach.
Respect is hard to find when you are
a “good field-poor hit” second
sacker, even from your friends. So is
a number to call your own.
5/7/08
1960s, the middle of the diamond
was patrolled by second baseman
Bobby Knoop and shortstop Jim
Fregosi. While neither swung much
of a stick, especially Knoop, the pair
sparkled in the field. Knoop garnered
three Gold Gloves, while Fregosi
grabbed one. The duo both won the
coveted defensive award for their
respective position in 1967.
After Fregosi closed out his 18-year
career part-way into the 1978, the
Angels tabbed their former shortstop
to take over as skipper of the club.
Fregosi led the Halos to a second
place finish in the AL West.
As the Angels reloaded for the 1979
season, Fregosi was allowed to hire
his own coaching staff; which would
include former teammate, No. 29,
Bobby Knoop.
Well, prior to the opening of Spring
Training in 1979, the Angels pulled
off one of sweet trade with
Minnesota, bringing seven-time
American League batting champ Rod
Carew to California. The future Hall
of Famer wore No. 29 with the Twins.
Knoop later related that Fregosi’s
response to the No. 29 dilemma,
“#%$& Knoop!”
Thus, Knoop wore No. 2 as an
Angels coach.
Respect is hard to find when you are
a “good field-poor hit” second
sacker, even from your friends. So is
a number to call your own.
5/7/08
