Troy Glaus

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Lore & Background

Glaus became synonymous with the Angels' identity during his tenure from 1998 to 2004. His breakout came in 2000 when he set an all-time single-season franchise record with 47 home runs while leading third basemen in adjusted range factor (2.95). He followed this with a second consecutive 40-home run season in 2001, hitting 41. In 2002, although he missed the 40-homer mark with 30, his production was vital as the Angels reached the playoffs for the first time in 16 years. That year culminated in a World Series victory over the San Francisco Giants in seven games. Glaus was named World Series MVP after hitting .385 with three home runs and eight RBIs. His defining moment arrived in Game 6, where he hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to tie the game 5-5, sparking a five-run comeback (the go-ahead hit came later in the inning from Tim Salmon). Despite his success, the Angels declined to re-sign him following the 2004 season due to shoulder injury concerns, opting instead for prospect Dallas McPherson.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Glaus's career is defined by resilience and dramatic peaks. After leaving Anaheim in a high-profile free-agent move, he signed a four-year, $45 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his lone season there (2005), he worked through back problems to hit 37 home runs and drive in 97 runs, leading the league in adjusted range factor again. However, his defense struggled significantly; he tied for the most errors by a third baseman in the majors with 24 and posted a Major League-low .946 fielding percentage. A trade to the Toronto Blue Jays followed, where he briefly started at shortstop due to roster needs, collecting two hits and a home run against the Chicago White Sox on May 26, 2006. His time in Toronto saw him hit 38 home runs with 104 RBIs in 2006, earning an MVP vote, though his defensive zone rating dropped to .741. A trade to the St. Louis Cardinals in January 2008 brought a defensive resurgence; he committed only seven errors in 146 games and led the league with a .982 fielding percentage at third base. On September 3, 2008, he hit his 300th career home run off Doug Davis.

Reader's Guide

Fans seeking to understand Glaus's impact should focus on his statistical peaks and specific milestones. His most productive offensive years included 2000 (47 HR) and 2001 (41 HR). Defensively, he was a league leader in adjusted range factor twice but also held the lowest zone rating among third basemen in 2006 (.741) and tied for most errors in 2005. His career concluded with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 after a one-year contract. In that final season, he rebounded from a poor April to win Player of the Month honors in May, hitting .330 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. Though his production faltered later, he remained a key playoff contributor, starting at third base for double plays against the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS. His career totals stand at 1,537 games, 320 home runs, and 950 RBIs with a .254 average.

Did You Know?

• Glaus won a bronze medal in baseball at the 1996 Summer Olympics as a member of the U.S. national team.
• He set the Angels' all-time single-season home run record with 47 in 2000, later hitting 41 in 2001.
• In Game 6 of the 2002 World Series, Glaus hit a two-run double in the seventh inning to tie the game 5-5, sparking a five-run comeback (the go-ahead hit came from Tim Salmon later in the inning).
• During his 2005 season with Arizona, he led the league in adjusted range factor but also tied for the most errors by a third baseman.
• In May 2010, Glaus was named Player of the Month with the Atlanta Braves after hitting .330.

Career Trajectory and Statistical Profile

Troy Edward Glaus played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, appearing for the Anaheim Angels (1998–2004), Arizona Diamondbacks (2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2006–2007), St. Louis Cardinals (2008–2009), and Atlanta Braves (2010). Across 1,537 games, he recorded a .254 batting average with 320 home runs and 950 RBIs. In the postseason, he appeared in 19 games, hitting .347 with nine home runs and 16 RBIs. He was selected to four All-Star Games: three with the Angels and one with the Blue Jays. His career began in 1998, but he became the starting third baseman in 1999.

The 2002 World Series Championship

The 2002 season marked the pinnacle of Glaus's career. The Anaheim Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants in seven games to win their first world championship title. Glaus was awarded the World Series MVP award for his performance, which included a .385 batting average, three home runs, and eight RBIs. His most critical contribution occurred in Game 6 when he hit a go-ahead double that finished a five-run comeback for the Angels.

Defensive Evolution and Fielding Challenges

Glaus's defensive metrics fluctuated throughout his career. In 2000 with the Angels, he led third basemen in adjusted range factor (2.95). He repeated this feat in 2005 with the Diamondbacks (2.92), yet that same year he tied for the most errors by a third baseman (24) and posted a .946 fielding percentage, the lowest in the league. In 2006 with Toronto, his zone rating was the lowest of any major league third baseman (.741). Conversely, during his 2008 season with St. Louis, he committed only seven errors in 146 games and led the league with a .982 fielding percentage at third base.

Later Years and Legacy

Injuries and roster changes defined Glaus's later years. After being cited in the Mitchell Report on December 13, 2007, he was traded to St. Louis. He hit his 300th career home run on September 3, 2008, but underwent arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in January 2009, delaying his return until September 2. His final season with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 saw him win Player of the Month honors in May after hitting .330 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. He finished as a backup to Derrek Lee but started at third base for key double plays in the NLDS against the Giants.