There's something about Don Baylor that makes teams win. Almost everywhere he played, success followed. Not only was he the first Angels MVP in 1979, he helped the club win its first-ever pennant. Later in his career, he again showed his leadership and success by leading three different teams to the postseason in three consecutive years (1986-1988).
Known as "Groove," Baylor was a fearsome hitter who crowded the plate and is 4th all-time in getting hit by the pitch. As a player, Baylor knew how to command the strike zone. In a career that spanned 19 years in the Majors, Baylor only had 1 season in which he struck out more than 100 times. During his MVP season, he walked more times than he struck out (71 BBs to 51 Ks) while slugging 36 homeruns and driving in 139 RBIs.
With all of his success on the field, it was not surprising when the Angels - a team that he still wants to help win a World Series - brought him back to be the Hitting Coach. And, for long-time fans, it wasn't all that surprising that in his first year back that success and the postseason returned to the Angels.
AngelsWin.com was very pleased to welcome Don Baylor as our special guest during the Fanfest Dinner this year. Covering topics from how he got his nickname, to his mentors, to memories from his time as a player, and how he works as a coach, this is a must-watch interview where we asked the questions that you, the fans, wanted asked.
Please click below to watch the AngelsWin.com interview with the Angels Hitting Coach Don Baylor.