- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,244,292
- Reaction score
- 59
Huntington Beach High School two-way star Jared Grindlinger grew up a fan of the Los Angeles Angels and attended games with his season-ticket holder uncle. Now, Grindlinger has officially signed with his hometown team after the franchise drafted him with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Before the Angels’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, the team hosted Grindlinger at Angel Stadium. The new Halo also got to take batting practice with the team and meet one of his favorite players, Mike Trout.
“It’s been surreal,” Grindlinger said while sitting in the dugout, per MLB. “Growing up, we’d sit right above here. We had season tickets. I remember getting yelled at for putting my feet on the dugout or something. So it’s definitely nice to be on this side of the field.”
Under former general manager Perry Minasian, the Angels typically would not host their draft picks at Angel Stadium. But interim general manager John Mozeliak wanted to change that this year, as it was a tradition he upheld while working for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Where I come from, we tend to take that first-round player and give him this experience because we think it’s something that’s cool,” Mozeliak said, per MLB. “But more importantly, if it was in your backyard, how much better would it be? I definitely wanted him to experience this, and he’ll never forget it. But once you sign your contract, it’s a job, you go to work and he and I talked about that.”
Grindlinger also got to experience his first day on the job alongside his parents, brothers and friends.
Now, Grindlinger will head to Arizona to participate in a bridge camp with other 2026 drafted and signed players.
Jared Grindlinger of Huntington Beach has now been named to USA Baseball national teams in three different age groups. (Photo Credit: Nick Koza)
Photo Credit: Nick Koza
The post Lifelong Angels Fan Jared Grindlinger Visits Stadium After Signing With Halos appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
Grindlinger Visited Angel Stadium For the First Time As A Halo
Before the Angels’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, the team hosted Grindlinger at Angel Stadium. The new Halo also got to take batting practice with the team and meet one of his favorite players, Mike Trout.
“It’s been surreal,” Grindlinger said while sitting in the dugout, per MLB. “Growing up, we’d sit right above here. We had season tickets. I remember getting yelled at for putting my feet on the dugout or something. So it’s definitely nice to be on this side of the field.”
Under former general manager Perry Minasian, the Angels typically would not host their draft picks at Angel Stadium. But interim general manager John Mozeliak wanted to change that this year, as it was a tradition he upheld while working for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Where I come from, we tend to take that first-round player and give him this experience because we think it’s something that’s cool,” Mozeliak said, per MLB. “But more importantly, if it was in your backyard, how much better would it be? I definitely wanted him to experience this, and he’ll never forget it. But once you sign your contract, it’s a job, you go to work and he and I talked about that.”
Grindlinger also got to experience his first day on the job alongside his parents, brothers and friends.
Now, Grindlinger will head to Arizona to participate in a bridge camp with other 2026 drafted and signed players.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jared Grindlinger of Huntington Beach has now been named to USA Baseball national teams in three different age groups. (Photo Credit: Nick Koza)
Photo Credit: Nick Koza
The post Lifelong Angels Fan Jared Grindlinger Visits Stadium After Signing With Halos appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
