Darin Erstad received his third standing ovation from Angel fans as he walked back to the dugout after grounding out in the ninth inning. True to his personality, he never looked up and never tipped his cap.
But in the clubhouse afterward, Erstad became teary-eyed when talking about the season ending.
"I'm going to miss all the little things," Erstad said. "Taking the tape off. Taking my shoes off."
He paused to compose himself.
"I'm going to be a wreck when I retire," Erstad said.
No matter how long Erstad's career last, it will be hard to duplicate this season.
Erstad's first-inning double gave him 240 hits for the season. Only 11 players have had more in a single season. Erstad scored when Scott Spiezio followed with a single, giving him a team-record 121 runs this season.
The Angels set team season records for hits (1,573) and home runs (236). Third baseman Troy Glaus led the American League with 47 home runs.
