Baseball Players Who Played for Pirates 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 Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re 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 Pirates and the Angels.
Popular Choices
Guys in this tier are likely to be popular picks because of a combination of the impact they made on both teams and/or how recently they’ve played for both the Pirates and Angels.
Dave Parker
Dave Parker, who played from 1973 to 1991, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. However, he also made stops with the A’s, Angels, Blue Jays and Brewers.
Parker was a powerhouse at the plate, racking up over 2,700 hits, 339 home runs, and maintained a .290 career batting average. He was a seven-time All-Star (Pirates, Reds, Brewers) and won two National League batting titles. His crowning achievement was in 1978 when he won the National League MVP award with the Pirates.
Also recognized for his defensive skills, Parker won three Gold Gloves (Pirates). His combination of power, hitting ability, and fielding skills made him one of the standout players of his era and led to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Rare Choices
Players in this tier are generally well-remembered for one of the two teams, but not necessarily both.
David Freese
David Freese played college baseball at the University of South Alabama before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the ninth round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Cardinals, where he made his major league debut in 2009.
The pinnacle of Freese’s career came during the 2011 postseason. In Game 6 of the World Series against the Texas Rangers, he hit a game-tying triple in the ninth inning and a walk-off home run in the 11th inning, forcing a Game 7, which the Cardinals won.
Freese was named the World Series MVP and the NLCS MVP that year, solidifying his place in baseball lore.
Freese Key Stats
- All-Star (Cardinals)
- World Series Champ (Cardinals)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Cardinals, Dodgers)
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.
