Tim Salmon
King Fish
Timothy James Salmon (born August 24, 1968), nicknamed "King Fish", is an American former professional baseball player and current sportcaster. He played his entire career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the California / Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels as an outfielder and designated hitter. Salmon was an integral member of the Angels team that won the 2002 World Series. He is an analyst for Bally Sports West's Angels Live pre-and-postgame shows.
- Franchise Record
- Career Home Runs (299 at time of retirement, surpassed by Mike Trout on September 5, 2020)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Salmon is considered one of the most prolific and beloved players in Angels history. At the time of his retirement, Salmon had the most home runs in Angels history with 299, since surpassed by Mike Trout in 2020. He was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2015.
In Their Own Story
Drafted by the California Angels in the third round of the 1989 MLB draft as the 69th overall pick, Salmon faced a major setback during his minor league career. On May 26, 1990, while playing for the Palm Springs Angels against the San Bernardino Spirit, he was hit in the face by Kerry Woodson's fastball, fracturing his jaw. One doctor likened the injury to "breaking glass in a sock," yet Salmon reported feeling no pain. After missing much of the season with his jaw wired shut, he returned to Double-A Midland later that year. He skyrocketed through the system in 1992 with Triple-A Edmonton, batting .347 with 29 home runs and 105 RBIs to win Baseball America's Minor League Player of the Year Award. Called up on August 20, 1992, he made his MLB debut the next day against the New York Yankees. In 1993, he won the American League Rookie of the Year award as a unanimous selection, batting .283 with 31 home runs and 95 RBIs.
Reader's Guide
Salmon was born on August 24, 1968, in Long Beach, California, and was raised in the Belmont Shore neighborhood of the city. He attended Greenway High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He was drafted by the California Angels in the third round of the 1989 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut on August 21, 1992. He won the American League Rookie of the Year award, only the fourth AL player ever to receive a unanimous vote. In 1995, he set career highs in batting average at .330, OPS at 1.024, hits with 177, runs with 111, and total bases with 319, and received a Silver Slugger Award. He finished the 2002 season as a World Series champion.
Did You Know?
- Salmon was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 18th round of the 1986 amateur draft but did not sign.
- In 1992, Salmon won the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Award.
- Salmon recorded his first career home run on August 23, 1992, off Scott Sanderson.
- In 1994, Salmon tied Joe Cronin and Walt Dropo for the most hits in a three-game period in American League history with 13 hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tim Salmon?
Timothy James Salmon was a professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who spent his entire Major League career with the Angels organization from 1992 to 2006. Known by the nickname King Fish, he became one of the most recognizable faces in franchise history during his tenure.
What are Tim Salmon's key achievements?
He served as a central figure in the team's 2002 World Series championship run and anchored the lineup throughout his fifteen seasons. At the time of his retirement, he held the franchise record for career home runs with 299 before Mike Trout eventually surpassed that mark.
Why is Tim Salmon important to Angels fans?
His loyalty as a one-team player cemented his status as a true legend who helped define an era for the California, Anaheim, and Los Angeles teams. He was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2015 to honor his significant legacy with the franchise.
What positions did Tim Salmon play?
During his career, he primarily operated as an outfielder and designated hitter for the club. These roles allowed him to maximize his power hitting contributions while managing defensive responsibilities on the field.
Is Tim Salmon still involved with baseball today?
Following his retirement from playing, he transitioned into media coverage for the organization. He currently works as an analyst for Bally Sports West, providing commentary on pre-and-postgame shows for the team.
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