Established
1961
City
Los Angeles - Anaheim - Los Angeles (Anaheim)
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1961 – 1999 / American League
Team History
2005 – Present / Los Angeles Angels
1997 – 2004 / Anaheim Angels
1965 – 1996 / California Angels
1961 – 1964 / Los Angeles Angels
Nickname
Angels – Los Angeles Angels are one of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). The team’s nickname has a long and exciting history that dates back to 1961, when the franchise was first established.
The original name for the Los Angeles Angels was “Los Angeles Stars,” which came from a suggestion by former Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley. However, after much deliberation and debate among fans, media members, and baseball executives alike, it was decided that this name didn't quite fit with what they were trying to accomplish as an organization. It wasn't until 1962, when Gene Autry purchased the team that they finally settled on their current moniker: "Angels."
The origin of this unique nickname can be traced back to Autry's love for Western music, specifically his hit song "Back in the Saddle Again." This song included lyrics about angels watching over cowboys while traveling – something many Angelenos could relate to being so far away from home during road trips or games against other teams across America. As such, it made perfect sense for them to adopt this phrase as part of their identity moving forward into MLB play!
Nowadays, you'll find plenty of references around Angel Stadium celebrating these origins - including statues dedicated to honoring Mr. Autry and his beloved track! Additionally, there are also several murals featuring angel wings throughout various parts inside/outside stadium grounds paying homage not only to those who helped create but also sustain success within the LA Angels organization over the years since inception all way up today - making sure everyone knows where true loyalty lies & how proud we are our roots no matter what happens come game time each season!
Championship
World Series 0
2002
Stadium
2004 – Present / Angel Stadium of Anaheim
1998 – 2003 / Edison International Field
1965 – 1997 / Anaheim Stadium
*Los Angeles*
1962 – 1964 / Chavez Ravine
1961 / Wrigley Field
Owner
2003 – Present / Arturo Moreno
1996 – 2003 / The Walt Disney Company
1961 – 1996 / Gene Autry
- 1961
- 2005
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Los Angeles Angels Team Formation
The Angels and their fellow expansionists, the new Washington Senators now the Texas Rangers chose players from other American League teams in an expansion draft. In 1961, the first year of the team’s existence, the Angels finished 70–91 for a .435 winning percentage, still the highest winning percentage ever for a first-year major league expansion team. -
The Team Renamed: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
On January 3, 2005 Angels Baseball, L.P. announced that it would change the name of the club from Anaheim Angels to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The new name sparked outrage among Anaheim and Los Angeles city leaders, who argued that a team that does not play its home games within the city or county of Los Angeles should not ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Angels
The Los Angeles Angels, previously known as the Anaheim Angels, are one of the oldest and most beloved teams in Major League Baseball. The team was founded in 1961 as an expansion franchise, joining the American League West Division. Since then, they have become a staple of baseball on the west coast and have won 9 division titles, 1 wild card berth, 4 pennants, and 1 World Series Championship (2002).
Despite their relatively short history compared to other MLB franchises like the Yankees or Red Sox, established over 100 years ago, the Anaheim Angels, now known as the Los Angeles Angels, have had some incredible moments that will go down in baseball lore forever. One such moment came during “the Rally Monkey Game,” which took place on June 6th, 2002, against the San Francisco Giants when Tim Salmon hit a two-run home run off Robb Nen with two outs left to tie it up 5-5 before Darin Erstad drove home Scott Spiezio for an 8-7 win! This game is remembered fondly by Angels fans everywhere as it sparked what would be one of only three World Series Championships ever won by Anaheim Angels team members since its inception 59 years ago.
Throughout its storied history, there has been no shortage of legendary players wearing the Angels' red & white jerseys, including Hall Of Famers Nolan Ryan (who threw his 7th No-Hitter while playing for the Anaheim Angels), Rod Carew & Reggie Jackson, to name a few! More recently, Mike Trout has emerged as arguably one of the greatest players alive today, carrying forward this legacy into new generations with his amazing feats both at bat & out fielding opposing teams' best hitters every night he takes center stage at Angel Stadium located near downtown Anaheim, California where thousands upon thousands come each year from far away places around the world to see him play!
In conclusion - whether you're looking back through time remembering past heroes or witnessing current-day superstars making magic happen right before your eyes - The Los Angeles Angels, previously known as the Anaheim Angels, will surely provide you with memories that last a lifetime no matter how many seasons pass by between now and then... Go Halos!!
Sports Fan Products
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Retired Number
11 / Jim Fregosi
26 / Gene Autry
29 / Rod Carew
30 / Nolan Ryan
42 / Jackie Robinson
50 / Jimmy Reese
*Blue is this team’s history