ANGELS ANNOUNCE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

--SERIES TO FEATURE TOP 40, COUNTRY, HIP- HOP, AND CHRISTIAN RECORDING ARTISTS--



ANAHEIM, CA -- The Angels announced today that the club will feature a series of post-game concerts as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration beginning Saturday, June 11th. The five-date “Summer Concert Series” presented by SRS Labs, sponsored by Budweiser will take place at Angel Stadium following Saturday night home games and feature top recording artists from a wide genre of music.

Following the June 11th Angels vs. Royals game, International pop sensation Taio Cruz will take the stage to kickoff the concert series. Cruz’s hit song “Dynamite” has been on the charts for 45 consecutive weeks and his song “Break Your Heart” peaked at #1 on the charts in both the US and UK.  He has performed on many current pop-culture prime time TV shows and is currently writing songs for Justin Bieber. Cruz is scheduled to perform during this seasons’ American Idol ® finale and his third album “Black and Leather” will be released in the coming months.

The second post-game concert will take place following the Saturday, July 9th Angels game against the Seattle Mariners. Taking the stage will be multi-platinum country star Dierks Bentley. Bentley recently released his new rowdy sing-a-long party single “Am I The Only One” to radio, as the lead single off his upcoming sixth Capitol Nashville studio project. Bentley’s new album follows in the footsteps of his critically acclaimed UP ON THE RIDGE, which earned Album of the Year nominations at the ACM, CMA and GRAMMY Awards® this year. His previous five albums have sold over five million copies, earned 10 GRAMMY nominations and spawned seven No. 1 hits. Bentley is currently headlining the 30-city 2011 Jägermeister Country Tour through mid-May.

For post-game concert number three, major Hip-Hop mogul Ludacris will perform following the Saturday, August 6th game as the Angels host the Mariners. Ludacris’ current album debuted at #1 on the charts in 2010, had the #1 single in 2006 with “Money Maker” and has won multiple Grammy Awards ® for his music. Ludacris has also played roles in numerous blockbuster movies as well as the 2004 Academy Award® winning film for Best Picture “Crash”. Additionally, he started the Ludacris Foundation to motivate middle and high school students in the field of creative arts.

As the summer winds down, the contemporary Christian band MercyMe will perform post-game on Saturday, August 20th against the Baltimore Orioles. MercyMe has sold over 6 million albums, garnered 23 multi-format #1 Christian radio singles, won awards on all major award shows and appeared on some of the biggest network television programs. The band made recent history as “I Can Only Imagine” surpassed 1 million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain. MercyMe has had all of their recordings certified as Gold or Platinum.

Concluding the concert series on Saturday, September 3rd (Angels vs. Twins) will be smash-hit maker NE-YO. He has delivered such singles as “Miss Independent,” “Closer” and “Because of You.” He also had two albums top the charts as well as five top 10 singles. Additionally, NE-YO has written songs for music’s biggest names (Beyonce & Rihanna to name a few) as well as appearing in featuring films and prime time television.

Tickets and more information on all five concerts dates are now available on angels.com/concerts

ANGELS ANNOUNCE “GNAME THE GNOME" ONLINE CONTEST

ANAHEIM, CA – The Angels announced today an online contest to “Gname the Gnome.” The contest gives fans an opportunity to name the much anticipated gnome bobblehead that will be given to all fans when the Angels face the Texas Rangers on Thursday, August 18^th at 7:05 p.m.  The online contest is open to all fans with a creative interest. 

The winner with the most unique and Angels related name will receive four field box game tickets to the August 18^th game, a parking pass, online and in-game recognition, and four autographed baseballs.  All entries must be under 12 characters in length and submitted by April 26, 2011.

To participate, fans can enter at angels.com/gnome.  The winner will be announced online the week of May 2^nd.

For more information, log-on to angels.com/gnome.

Angels Will Host FanFest March 27th

-Interactive Fan Experience will kick off 2011 Season at Angel Stadium-

ANAHEIM, CA -- The Angels will host FanFest on Sunday, March 27th at Angel Stadium. This marks the return of the interactive fan experience that was last held in February 2007. FanFest will run from 8am – 4pm and
follows the Angels 5K & Fun Run. Tickets for FanFest are $5 and include a FREE game ticket (while quantities last) to the 2 pm Angels vs. Padres exhibition game.

The club has planned a wide range of activities during FanFest that are perfect for families and passionate Angel fans alike. Activities include appearances & autographs by members of the Angels 40-man roster, Rally Monkey photo booth, sponsor village, Angels merchandise sale, silent auction, main stage activities with live music and take me out to the ball game contest, a family zone featuring arts & crafts, carnival rides and much more. All activities are free with the price of admission.

Tickets for FanFest go on-sale at 10 am on Monday, February 28th and can be purchased at the Angel Stadium Ticket Window, angels.com/fanfest or any Ticketmaster locations.

For more details surrounding the Angels 50th Anniversary visit: angels.com/50

FORMER HALOS RETURN FOR OPENING HOMESTAND

Honorary Alumni first pitches set for opening homestand April 8-13

ANAHEIM, CA – As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, the Angels announced six alumni ceremonial pitches for each game of the opening homestand at Angel Stadium (April 8-13). Over the course of the regular season, all 81 home games will feature a first pitch from a former Angel player. This program will give fans a chance to embrace and celebrate Angels’ alumni and commemorate the club’s history.

For the home opener on Friday, April 8th vs. Toronto (7:05 p.m.), Eli Grba will toss out the ceremonial pitch. The right-handed pitcher was the first Angel taken in the expansion draft prior to the inaugural 1961 campaign. The following day, April 9th, the 1958 A.L. Rookie of the Year Albie Pearson will throw out the honorary pitch before the 6:05 p.m. game against the Blue Jays. Wrapping up the Toronto series will be Bob Lee – Angels’ 1965 American League All-Star, with the alumni first pitch for the 12:35 p.m. Kaiser Permanente Family Sunday day game.

When the Cleveland Indians come to town on Monday, April 11th at 7:05 p.m., four-time Angel All-Star Mark Langston will throw out the first pitch. Jim Fregosi, who played and managed the Halos, will throw the honorary pitch prior to the Tuesday, April 12th contest with Cleveland (7:05 p.m.). To wrap up the opening homestand, Roger Repoz tosses the ceremonial pitch on Wednesday, April 13th at 4:05 p.m.

For more details surrounding the Angels 50th Anniversary visit: angels.com/50

Garret Anderson Is Mr. Angel

After 17 Major League seasons, former Angels outfielder Garret Anderson quietly walked away from the game Tuesday.  There was no live news conference or breaking news alert on television or the web—just a press release and a conference call.

It was simple. It was understated. It was classic Garret Anderson.

Over the course of his career, Anderson was one of the most consistent, yet misunderstood athletes of his generation.  His cool, never-rattled demeanor allowed him to consistently produce in the game’s most intense situations, but at times, it led fans to believe he was disinterested.  Hit a walk-off homerun or strikeout with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9^th; the reaction was usually the same.

"I don't think I was misunderstood -- I know I was misunderstood," Anderson said. "I'm sorry for that. I was who I was, going out and playing hard every day. I know I'm a quiet person."

Anderson says quiet, while some media members might use adjectives such as unapproachable or ornery—neither of which I ever experienced by the way.

GA—as most affectionately call him—wasn’t much for small talk, especially while he was working, but he never avoided fielding questions from the media.  However, if you asked what he might consider a silly or stupid question, Anderson usually responded with biting sarcasm, looks of disgust or both.

In a time when perception equals reality, Anderson is likely not remembered as the All-American male, but rather the modern day unappreciative professional athlete. When what he actually should be remembered as is a Southern California kid who became Mr. Angel.

Sure, franchise home run king Tim Salmon generally holds that title within the Angels fan base, but Anderson’s numbers would suggest otherwise.

Anderson—who spent the last two seasons with the Braves (2010) and the Dodgers (2009)—retires as the Angels’ the all-time leader in games (2,013), at-bats (7,989), runs (1,024), hits (2,368), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489) and RBI (1,292). 

He is also tied for third in average with Johnny Ray at .296, third in triples (35) and second in home runs (272).

In addition to being a three-time All-Star (2002-2003, 2005), All-Star Game MVP and Home Run Derby Champion (2003), The Sporting News “Rookie of the Year” (1995), and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2002-2003), Anderson also set the Angels franchise record for most grand slams (8), most RBI in a game (10), and most consecutive games with a RBI (12).

Anderson just didn’t make a few marks in the Angels record book, he practically rewrote it.

"Garret's role in where the Angels organization is today cannot be overstated,” said Angels manager Mike Scioscia.  “He had a tremendous passion to play this game and a deep understanding of how to play to win and that was very important to this organization.”

And the Angels organization—as well as its fans—remains just as important to Anderson.

“To the Autry family, thank you for taking a chance and letting me play at the raw age of 22,” Anderson said in a statement.  “To Disney and Mr. & Mrs. Moreno, thank you for allowing me to play most of my career in an Angel uniform. 

“To all the managers and coaches, both in the minor and big leagues, and players that had a hand in my success, thank you.  To the Angel fans, I want to apologize for being somewhat difficult to read at times and thank you for your support even still.  I’ve appreciated your encouragement over the years.”

So move over King Fish, there’s a new Mr. Angel in town, and his name is Garret Anderson.

ANGELS & FOX SPORTS WEST TO TELEVISE 11 CACTUS LEAGUE GAMES

ANAHEIM, CA – The Angels and Fox Sports West have unveiled their 2011 Cactus League television schedule, announcing a slate of 11 games to be aired live from Tempe Diablo Stadium.

The television coverage begins February 28th when the Angels play host to divisional foe Oakland at Tempe Diablo Stadium and continues through March 24th vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.

Click here for the complete slate of Spring Training TV game.

 

ANGELS AGREE TO TERMS ON 2011 CONTRACT WITH C JEFF MATHIS

ANAHEIM, CA -- The Angels Wednesday agreed to terms on a 2011 contract with catcher Jeff Mathis, thus avoiding arbitration.  Today’s announcement was made by General Manager Tony Reagins. 

Mathis, 27, spent his third full season with the Angels in 2010 batting .195 (40/205) with 19 runs scored, six doubles, one triple, three home runs and 18 RBI in 68 games played. The backstop started the season batting .324 (11/34) before fracturing his right wrist, April 19, causing him to miss 55 games. Despite the injury, Mathis put together a 13-game hit streak from April 5 – June 22, matching the longest streak by an Angel in 2010 (Alberto Callaspo, August 14-28).

Mathis is the second Angel to agree to terms and avoid arbitration, leaving the Angels with six remaining arbitration-eligible players (Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick, Kendry Morales, Mike Napoli, Jered Weaver & Reggie Willits).

               

                The Marianna, Florida native was originally selected by the Angels in the first round (33^rd overall pick) of the 2001 amateur draft. He owns a .199 career batting average with 36 doubles, 23 home runs and 117 RBI in 333 games. Mathis is single and resides in Marianna, Florida. Following is a glance at his career statistics:

Year	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG
2005	LAA	5	3	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.333	.333	.333
2006	LAA	23	55	9	8	2	0	2	6	0	0	7	14	.145	.238	.291
2007	LAA	59	171	24	36	12	0	4	23	0	1	15	49	.211	.276	.351
2008	LAA	94	283	35	55	8	0	9	42	2	2	30	90	.194	.275	.318
2009	LAA	84	237	26	50	8	0	5	28	2	3	22	73	.211	.288	.308
2010	LAA	68	205	19	40	6	1	3	18	3	0	6	59	.195	.219	.278
6 Seasons		333	954	114	190	36	1	23	117	7	6	80	286	.199	.265	.311

 --ANGELS—

ANGELS AGREE TO TERMS ON 2011 CONTRACT WITH INF ALBERTO CALLASPO

  

 

ANAHEIM, CA -- The Angels Monday agreed to terms on a 2011 contract with infielder Alberto Callaspo, thus avoiding arbitration.  Today’s announcement was made by General Manager Tony Reagins. 

 

Callaspo, 27, was acquired from Kansas City on July 22, 2010 in exchange for RHP Will Smith and RHP Sean O’Sullivan. The third baseman played at every level in the Angels’ minor league system from 2001 to 2005 and returned to play in 58 games with the Halos in 2010, finishing the season batting .265 (149/562) with 27 doubles, 10 home runs and 56 RBI.

 

Callaspo is the first Angel to agree to terms and avoid arbitration, leaving the Angels with seven remaining arbitration-eligible players (Erick Aybar, Howie Kendrick, Jeff Mathis, Kendry Morales, Mike Napoli, Jered Weaver & Reggie Willits).

               

                The Maracay, Venezuela native was originally signed by the Angels in 2001 as a non-drafted free agent. He owns a .278 career batting average with 85 doubles, 14 triples, 21 home runs and 158 RBI in 454 games. Callaspo resides in Maracay, Venezuela with his wife, Marianny and child. Following is a glance at his career statistics:

 

Year	Team	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG
2006	ARI	23	42	2	10	1	1	0	6	0	1	4	6	.238	.298	.310
2007	ARI	56	144	10	31	8	0	0	7	1	1	9	14	.215	.265	.271
2008	KCR	74	213	21	65	8	3	0	16	2	1	19	14	.305	.361	.371
2009	KCR	155	576	79	173	41	8	11	73	2	1	52	51	.300	.356	.457
2010	TOT	146	562	61	149	27	2	10	56	5	3	31	42	.265	.302	.374
2010	KCR	88	349	40	96	19	2	8	43	3	1	19	29	.275	.308	.410
2010	LAA	58	213	21	53	8	0	2	13	2	2	12	13	.249	.291	.315
5 Seasons		454	1537	173	428	85	14	21	158	10	7	115	127	.278	.327	.393