Blake Parker has found that sweet spot between confidence and humility, the reliever's blend of dominance on the mound and modesty off it endearing him to Angels coaches, teammates, front-office executives and fans.
The 32-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers three times before the 2017 season, twice by the Angels. Parker made the team as a nonroster player out of spring training and was so effective in his first full big league season — and 11th in pro ball — that he finished as the club's closer.
And he did it all while living in a "fifth-wheel" recreational vehicle with his wife, stepson and dog, in the Angel Stadium parking lot for the first month and a few relay throws down Katella Avenue, in an RV park, for the next five.