Anaheim-native Wade Meckler's big debut powers Angels over Rangers

The Los Angeles Angels Wade Meckler #53 celebrates a home run during an MLB game against The Texas Rangers on May 22nd, 2026 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. ANAHEIM, Calif. - Wade Meckler introduced himself to the Big A on Friday when he made a slick sliding catch in the top of the first inning to snag a foul ball down the left field line, even crashing into the wall in the process.

But if that catch was how he introduced himself to his new team's fans, the bottom of the first was how he said hello. He took the first pitch of his Los Angeles Angels' career, a 97. 9 MPH fastball at the top of the zone from Rangers starter Jacob deGrom, and ripped it 403 feet into the right field pavilion for a three-run home run that improved the Angels to a four-run lead at the time.

With it, Meckler became the first Angel to homer in their debut with the team since Mike Napoli did so on May 4, 2006. THE HOMETOWN KID 😇 Wade Meckler leaves the yard on the first pitch he sees as a Halo! pic.

twitter. com/2LO0jIy8TQ — Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) May 23, 2026 "It was sick. That's an awesome homer for him, first one at that," Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe said.