A breathtaking defensive centerfielder with an anemic bat,
Pettis won three Gold Gloves but hit only .208 and .210
in 1987 and 1988. The slender switch-hitter had sprinter's
speed, enabling him to chase fly balls deep into either
outfield gap and to steal at least 44 bases in four of his
five full ML seasons, but he also struck out often and
rarely hit the ball hard.
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Pettis won the Angels' centerfield
job in 1984, and by 1986 his average was up to a
career-high .258 as the Angels won the AL West. He had
nine hits in the Angels' seven-game loss to the Red Sox in
the 1986 LCS, but in 1987 his average dropped to .208, and
when Devon White, a comparable defensive player, emerged
from the Angels' farm system, Pettis was traded to Detroit
for pitcher Dan Petry.
The Angels' all-time stolen-base leader with 186, Pettis bounced around after his departure from California, moving from Detroit to Texas to San Diego before concluding his career with the Tigers in 1992.
(SCL/GL)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»June 4, 1986: Joe Niekro no-hits the Angels for 7 2/3 innings before Gary Pettis doubles, and Niekro combines with Al Holland for an easy 11–0 one-hitter. Dave Winfield homers twice for the Yankees.
»August 17, 1990: In Chicago's 4–2 game two win over Texas, Carlton Fisk homers off Charlie Hough to become the White Sox' all-time home run leader (with 187) and the all-time leader in home runs by a catcher (328). Texas wins the opener in the bottom of the 13th inning when Gary Pettis hits a leadoff triple, and scores on Ruben Sierra's drive. Texas wastes a 10-inning effort from Nolan Ryan in which he strikes out 15. Hibbard goes eight frames for the Chisox.
»May 13, 1991:
During a intentional walk, Gary Pettis of the Tigers is picked off 3B by the Rangers. Texas wins, 8–1.
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