April 14, 1986 “Wally World” begins at Anaheim Stadium as the California Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 7-6. Brian Downing scored three runs and George Hendrick and Darrell Miller each drove in two, while Donnie Moore picked up the victory in relief. Wallace Keith “Wally” Joyner, drafted by the Angels in the 3rd round of the 1983 amateur draft, became an instant fan favorite that year. In 1986 Joyner became the first rookie voted to the All-Star game by the fans and tied Darryl Strawberry as Home Run Derby co-winner. Joyner would finish second in the Rookie of the Year Award voting to Jose Canseco that year. In his first six years with the Angels, Joyner would average close to 20 home runs and 90 RBI’s with a .288 avg., hitting 34 home runs and driving in 117 in 1987. Joyner would play his final year in the majors with the Anaheim Angels in 2001 appearing in 53 games.
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