While 1982 was a great year for my baseball card collection, it was an even better year for the Angels. After a three year wait (and keeping with the "if it ends in a 2, it's a good year" theory), the Halos won their second American League West division title.
The '82 Halos boasted one of the strongest lineups the team has ever had, with Rod Carew (.319 BA), Bobby Grich, Doug DeCinces (30 HR, 97 RBI), Brian Downing (28 HR, 109R), Fred Lynn (.299 BA, 21 HR), Reggie Jackson (39 HR, 101 RBI) and Don Baylor (24 HR).
The pitching staff was strong as well, with Geoff Zahn going 18-8 and Ken Forsch going 13-11. The team went 93-69 for Manager Gene Mauch.
The Angels' season ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Milwaukee Brewers (back when they were where they belong, in the AL), in the American League Championship Series. While the Halos took the first two games in Anaheim, they lost the next three of the best-of-five series in Wisconsin. Even with the loss, Fred Lynn was named the MVP of the series.
1982 Topps ANGELS
24 - Dave Frost
55 - Rick Burleson
58 - John D'Acquisto
74 - Bob Clark
94 - Andy Hassler
134 - Dan Ford
158 - Brian Downing
199 - Don Aase
229 - Geoff Zahn
251 - Fred Lynn
252 - Fred Lynn IA
257 - Larry Harlow
276 - Angels TL/Rod Carew
284 - Bob Grich
313 - John Harris
357 - Butch Hobson
385 - Ken Forsch
415 - Don Baylor
442 - Bruce Kison
469 - Ed Ott
500 - Rod Carew
501 - Rod Carew IA
514 - Joe Ferguson
547 - Rod Carew AS
572 - Juan Beniquez
602 - Freddie Patek
628 - Bill Travers
653 - Futures Stars - Brunansky, Sanchez, Sconiers
659 - Fred Martinez
682 - Jesse Jefferson
702 - Steve Renko
744 - Mike Witt
772 - Bert Campaneris
1982 Topps TRADED
9T - Bob Boone
21T - Doug Corbett
26T - Doug DeCinces
34T - Tim Foli
47T - Reggie Jackson
48T - Ron Jackson
53T - Mick Kelleher
128T - Rob Wilfong
128T - Rob Wilfong
regular cards: 41
inserts: 0
