Last night the Angels clinched their 3rd consecutive American League West Championship in an 11-0 win over the Texas Rangers!! This is the Angels’ 5th division title win in 6 years!

The 2009 regular season of Angels baseball was far from easy. The Angels were struck with injuries, an inconsistent pitching line up, frustrating hitting slumps and the death of a teammate. Yet they were able to surpass this and become the AL West Champs. It is amazing to see what the team has gone through this season and still be able to clinch the title.

Ervin Santana pitched an amazing game for the win, but the true rock stars of the game was Bobby Abreu and Kendry Morales. Abreu was only a home run away from a cycle! (hitting a single, double, triple & home run in the game).

This win was a very emotional one.  When the team went into the locker room to celebrate their win, they didn’t forget about their fallen teammate,  Nick Adenhart. They poured champagne on his jersey to celebrate with him. They also ran out into the field, to his memorial and poured beer & champagne on his head.  The team photo was taken in front of his memorial to remember him and his contribution.

This season also let us see who the true Angel Fans are! The struggles and losses of the team filtered out the band wagon followers that were around only because of the success in the recent years.  The true fans stuck together.

I am optimistic to face the Red Sox next week and go for our World Series title. Although the team has had its struggles in the past vs the Red Sox, its time to stop looking at the rear view mirror and concentrate on the series run.

I am eager to see what will happen in the post season! GO HALOS!

[photo credit to Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times]