Recently, I came across the picture below of Rick Stelmaszek from his time with the California Angels (pre-Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles). This is the first real photo I have seen of Stelmaszek in an Angels uni. His 1974 Topps card is a decent airbrush of him from his time with the Rangers. His 1975 card is a mediocre airbrushed Cubs card.
I don't know the origin of this photo. Obviously, it was taken in 1973 (his only season with the Angels). I am not good enough to pinpoint stadiums on a regular basis, let alone with this limited background view. I am just guessing it is a home shot, because his uniform looks more like the home uni. Since he is not wearing the full catcher's gear, other than the mitt, the picture was probably taken pre-game.
His stance does not indicate he was playing long toss. He looks more like he was preparing to field a bouncer or maybe an errant throw.
The picture does not tell a lot, but it does do a lot. It brings back great memories and that childhood feeling when I first fell in love with baseball.
Rick Stelmaszek-Summer 1973.
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