Former Angels infielder Ricky Adams dies of cancer

Ricky Adams, a utility infielder on the Los Angeles Angels' 1982 Western Division championship team, died Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 52.

The team said he died in Rancho Cucamonga.

Adams was a first-round pick of the Houston Astros in 1977. He signed with the Angels in 1980 and went on to make his major league debut with them in September 1982. He played 66 games as a utility infielder during the 1982 and '83 seasons. Adams played two seasons with San Francisco before returning to the Angels' farm system for his final professional season in 1987.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy, and their four children, Ashley, Joshua, Adam and Garrett.