Bobby Grich

A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove second baseman, Bobby Grich led the AL in home runs in 1981 and was the first inductee into the California Angels Hall of Fame.

Robert Anthony Grich (born January 15, 1949) is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles and the California Angels.

Quick Facts

Position: Second baseman
Bats: Right
Born: 15 January 1949
Birthplace: Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: June 29
Debut year: 1970
Debut team: Baltimore Orioles

Lore & Background

In 1981, Grich led the American League in home runs and won a Silver Slugger Award. A six-time All-Star, he also excelled as a defensive player, winning four consecutive Gold Glove Awards between 1973 and 1976. In 1988, Grich became the first inductee into the California Angels Hall of Fame; he was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1998. Grich currently works in the Angels' front office.

Reader's Guide

Grich attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, and graduated in 1967. He was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round (19th overall) of the 1967 Major League Baseball draft. He made his major league debut with Baltimore midway through the 1970 season. In 1973, Grich set the all-time major league fielding record at second base with a .995 fielding percentage. He became a free agent following the 1976 season and signed with the California Angels. In the strike-shortened 1981 season, Grich tied for the league lead in home runs (22) and led in slugging average (.543). He retired after the 1986 ALCS.