John Balaz

John Lawrence Balaz

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 180 lb.
• School San Diego City College
• High School Point Loma High School
• Debut September 10, 1974
• Final Game September 28, 1975
• Born November 24, 1950 in Toronto, ON CAN

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Biographical Information

John Balaz was drafted by the California Angels in the 5th round (106th overall) of the 1970 amateur draft. He won two minor league home run championships: in 1971 for Idaho Falls of the Pioneer League with 14 and in 1973 with Salinas of the California League with 28. He also led his league in RBI 3 times, in 1971 with 51, in 1973 with 113, and in 1974 with 111 for El Paso of the Texas League. In 1972, he was the California League leader in strikeouts, with 149 at Stockton. As a big leaguer, he played left field during Nolan Ryan's third no-hitter for the Angels on September 28, 1974 against the Minnesota Twins at Anaheim, CA.

Notable Achievements

• 1973 MVP California League, Salinas Packers
• 1974 Player of the Year Texas League, El Paso Diablos