Los Angeles Angels

Quick Facts

  • Founded: 1961

  • Original Name/City: Los Angeles Angels

  • Current Ballpark: Angel Stadium of Anaheim

  • World Series Titles: 1 (2002)

  • Franchise Nicknames: The Halos

A History of the Los Angeles Angels

Founded by "The Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry in 1961, the Los Angeles Angels were one of the first two American League expansion teams. After several name changes that reflected their location in the greater L.A. area (California, Anaheim, and Los Angeles of Anaheim), the franchise developed a reputation for agonizingly close calls.

They suffered heartbreaking postseason losses in 1979, 1982, and most famously in 1986, when they were just one strike away from their first World Series berth, before collapsing against the Boston Red Sox.

For four decades, the franchise seemed to play under the "Curse of the Cowboy," unable to win a pennant for their beloved original owner. That all changed in 2002. As a Wild Card team, the Angels, now owned by the Walt Disney Company, went on a magical postseason run.

Led by a passionate group of veterans and young players, and spurred on by the "Rally Monkey” mascot, they defeated the San Francisco Giants in a thrilling seven-game World Series. The victory finally brought a championship to Anaheim and honored Autry's legacy.

The modern era of Angels baseball has been defined by the presence of two of the greatest players in baseball history: Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Trout, a three-time AL MVP, is considered one of the best all-around players of all time.

He was later joined by Ohtani, a revolutionary two-way player who redefined what was possible on a baseball field, winning two unanimous MVP awards.

Despite employing these once-in-a-generation talents, the franchise has famously struggled to achieve team success, failing to win a single playoff game during their remarkable tenure together.

Franchise Timeline

  • 1961: Founded as the Los Angeles Angels.

  • 1966: Renamed the California Angels and moved into Anaheim Stadium (now Angel Stadium).

  • 1997: Renamed the Anaheim Angels.

  • 2002: Won their only World Series.

  • 2005: Renamed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (later changed back to Los Angeles Angels).

Legendary Players

Mike Trout (2011-Present)

  • Considered one of the greatest players in baseball history, Trout's combination of power, speed, and defense earned him three AL MVP awards and established him as the gold standard for a five-tool player in the 21st century.

Nolan Ryan (1972-1979)

  • Ryan's years with the Angels cemented his legend as the most overpowering pitcher ever. During his eight seasons in Anaheim, "The Ryan Express" threw an astonishing four no-hitters and set the single-season strikeout record (383 in 1973), which still stands today.

Shohei Ohtani (2018-2023)

  • A global phenomenon, Ohtani achieved the impossible by becoming an elite starting pitcher and an elite designated hitter simultaneously. His revolutionary two-way performance resulted in two unanimous AL MVP awards and a level of stardom unseen in modern baseball.

Tim Salmon (1992-2006)

  • Tim "Mr. Angel” Salmon played his entire 14-year career with the team. The 1993 AL Rookie of the Year was a consistent power hitter and the veteran leader of the 2002 World Series championship team, providing clutch hits throughout their improbable postseason run.