Angels News: Randall Grichuk Reacts to Fan Backlash Over Uniform Number

Randal Grichuk's number is Salmon approved, and the trade deadline acquisition is already putting up highlights with the jersey.

The Angels made a lot of moves this trade deadline to hopefully push for a playoff spot and prove to the league and Shohei Ohtani that this club is looking to win.

One of the moves the team made was acquiring Randal Grichuk and C.J. Cron from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for two minor-league prospects.

Grichuk, now a 32-year-old veteran, chose number 15 to wear as he debuts for the Halos, the number he has worn his entire Major League career.

Fans quickly noticed the number as the no. 15 hasn't been seen on a Halos uniform since the great Tim Salmon donned it last in 2006. Many fans commented that the number should be retired in honor of the legendary player, but some fans are ready to see some highlights once again from that jersey.

Randall Grichuk if you are going to wear that 15 you better be a STUD. 😤💪🏼Angels debut 14 years in the making and he hits a homer. Ain’t life crazy? #GoHalos pic.twitter.com/PBMgSLSSpC

— Jay the One & Only (@Js4424) August 1, 2023

The Orange County Register was able to talk to Tim Salmon about the emergence of the number and he told them the organization reached out, although he didn't think the approval was needed.

“I’m happy for Grich,” Salmon said. “He can wear it. I remember him years ago, coming into his first camp and meeting him. He’s a great kid. I’m happy for him that he’s back. He’s had a nice career. A little under the radar. Much like my career.”

(via Tim Salmon, The Orange County Register)

Grichuk knew the impact the number has and would have waited to hear that Salmon approved of the number before he accepted it.

“I’m definitely honored that he’s OK with it,” Grichuk said. “When I got traded, Guy called and said 15 was available if you want it because he knows that’s been my number my whole career. I said ‘Of course.’ I got a lot of backlash on Twitter for it. Some people were supportive but a lot of people didn’t like it.”

(via Randal Grichuk, The Orange County Register)

The decade-long veteran will look to help the team that originally drafted him now compete for a playoff spot and with number 15 on his back he looks to channel some of the magic of the 2002 Angels.