Angels coach is 27 years older than the team that employs him

Los Angeles Angels catching coordinator Bill Lachemann, 78, on the field before a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

March 19, 2013 4:25 PM PT

Bill Lachemann coaches Angels catchers during spring training, then travels the country during the summer to work with raw minor leaguers in places like Orem, Utah; Burlington, Iowa; and San Bernardino.

Bill Lachemann, 78, left, Los Angeles Angels catching coordinator and Orlando Mercado work with minor league players in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann before a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann works with minor league catcher Jett Bandy before a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann works with minor league catchers Able Baker, left, and Jett Bandy before a spring training baseball game. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann was on the same Dorsey High baseball team as Sparky Anderson. He played his first professional game five years before Mike Trout’s father was born and caught Jim Abbott’s first bullpen session four years after qualifying for an AARP card. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann greets minor league catcher Jett Bandy before a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann works with minor league catcher Able Baker before a spring training baseball game. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)

Bill Lachemann, right, shakes hands with Ted Steichen before a spring training baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Tempe, Ariz. (Chris Carlson / For The Times)