Wally Joyner, whose once-sweet career in California soured through the years, joined the Kansas City Royals today when he signed a one-year, $4.2 million free agent contract.
Joyner, 29, hit .301 with 21 home runs and 96 RBIs in 1991. But his relationship with Angels owner Gene Autry was said not to be great, and when California traded for Philadelphia's Von Hayes on Sunday, it hastened Joyner's departure.The Royals wanted a full-time first baseman, and Joyner's acquisition will make George Brett, 38, the permanent designated hitter.
Joyner can also become a free agent again after next season because the Royals agreed to waive the restriction on repeat free agency within five years.
"It was probably the toughest decision I've made," Joyner said, pausing for long periods and holding back tears. "I've enjoyed my time with the Angels. That's where `Wally World' started. But in my opinion, I didn't see any future with myself and the Angels."
Joyner spent his entire major league career with California. He hit .290 with 22 home runs and 100 RBIs in 1986, finishing second to Jose Canseco in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.
In six seasons, he hit .288 with 114 home runs and 518 RBIs. For all his success on the field, however, there was trouble off it.
Joyner was embroiled in several bitter salary disputes with the Angels, and twice took the team to arbitration, winning both times.