An Angel returns, a bad break follows

Vladimir Guerrero in his return to the Angels 12 years ago today

Vladimir Guerrero rejoins the major leagues long enough to sign a ceremonial, one-day contract with Anaheim 12 years ago today so he could "retire" as an Angel.

After spending seven full seasons from 1997-2003 as the Montreal Expos’ right fielder Expos, Guerrero plays with the Angels from 2004-09 and wins the American League Most Valuable Player Award with them in 2004.

Don Baylor’s awkward twist to catch the first pitch

He then finishes his Hall of Fame career as a designated hitter in 2010 and 2011 with the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles.

Guerrero, who in 1996 with the Class AA Harrisburg Senators in baseball’s best prospect along with Atlanta center fielder Andruw Jones, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Angels’ home opener against Seattle 12 years ago today and promptly injures Anaheim’s hitting coach Don Baylor.

Baylor – the ceremonial first pitch catcher – awkwardly reaches to catch Guerrero's low-and-away delivery and fractures his right femur.

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