7 Baseball Players who Played for Mets and Angels
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Mets and the Angels.
Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan, who pitched from 1966 to 1993, is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Known for his powerful fastball and extraordinary longevity, Ryan played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
Over his career, he amassed an incredible 5,714 strikeouts, a record that still stands. Ryan’s seven no-hitters and 324 wins are further testament to his prowess on the mound. An eight-time All-Star (Angels, Astros, Rangers) and the 1981 AL ERA leader, Ryan’s career was marked by standout performances that earned him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Matt Harvey
Matt Harvey, a right-handed pitcher who played 9 years in the league – mostly with the New York Mets – is known for his early career dominance and his struggles with injuries.
During his peak, he was referred to as the “Dark Knight,” delivering All-Star performances and helping the Mets reach the 2015 World Series.
Over his career, Harvey recorded over 800 strikeouts with an ERA of around 4.00. His best season came in 2013 when he posted a 2.27 ERA and struck out 191 batters in 178 innings, earning an All-Star selection (Mets).
Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henderson was one of my favorite baseball players growing up. In fact, somewhere in a closet, I have a baseball card binder with over 150 Rickey Henderson baseball cards.
Most of us probably remember Henderson as an Oakland A, back in the late 80s playing on the same A’s teams as the Bash Brothers.
But, he played for an incredible 25 years in the majors and played on 9 different teams during that span.
Rickey played 14 years with the A’s, but he also played for the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, LA Dodgers, Anaheim Angels, Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.
So, not only is he an acceptable answer for a player who played for both the Mets and the Angels, but Rickey Henderson is a very versatile Immaculate Grid answer that you can use quite often.
In fact, he also had over 1400 career stolen bases, over 2200 runs and over 3000 hits (all of which could appear as possible categories).
Eddie Murray
Eddie Murray had a 21-year career in major league baseball. He spent most of his time with the Baltimore Orioles, but also played for other teams like the Dodgers, Cleveland Indians (now the Guardians), Mets and Angels.
Murray was a crucial player in the Orioles’ ’83 World Series win. He finished his career with 504 home runs, 3255 hits (one of 33 players over 3000) and a career .287 batting average. This switch-hitter was an 8-time All-Star and landed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.
*Eddie Murray played for the Anaheim Angels which I believe will work for the LA Angels, but I haven’t actually tried this yet myself.
Jason Isringhausen
Jason Isringhausen, a commanding presence from 1995 to 2012, is best known for his time as a closer with the Athletics and Cardinals. However, he also spent time with the Mets, Rays and Angels.
Isringhausen was a major player in the bullpen, notching more than 300 saves in his career, with his best season in 2004 when he saved 47 games for the Cardinals.
He was a two-time All-Star and was instrumental in the Cardinals’ success during his tenure, including their 2006 World Series win.
Gary Matthews jr
Gary Matthews Jr., the son of former Major League player Gary Matthews, was an outfielder with a career spanning from 1999 to 2010. Known for his agility and speed, he played for seven teams during his career including the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.
A standout year for Matthews Jr. was 2006 with the Rangers, where he hit .313 with 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 102 runs, leading to his only All-Star selection. His career totals include a .257 batting average, 108 home runs, and 484 RBIs.
Matthews Jr. is perhaps best remembered for an incredible over-the-wall catch in 2006 while with the Rangers, a highlight that still plays in baseball reels today.
Rich Hill
Rich Hill is an Immaculate Grid beast. The left-handed pitcher has played for 13 different clubs over his incredible 19-year career – one that is still ongoing as I’m writing this (he’s currently pitching with the Padres).
Hill’s MLB journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002. After making his major league debut in 2005, he had initial success with the Cubs, particularly in 2007 when he had a standout season. However, injuries, inconsistency, and command issues led to him bouncing around the minors and various MLB teams for several years.
After refining his pitching approach and mechanics, he experienced a career resurgence starting in 2015. At an age when many players see diminished returns, Hill became one of the most effective starters in baseball. This late-career renaissance led to stints with the Red Sox, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, and Rays.
