Los Angeles Angels facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Los Angeles Angels
2026 Los Angeles Angels season
Established in 1961 Based in Anaheim since 1966
Team logo Cap insignia
Major league affiliations
American League (1961–present) West Division (1969–present)
Current uniform
Retired numbers	11 26 29 30 50 42
Colors
Red, navy blue, silver
Name
Los Angeles Angels (2016–present) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–2015) Anaheim Angels (1997–2004) California Angels (1965–1996) Los Angeles Angels (1961–1965)
Other nicknames
The Halos The A-Team
Ballpark
Angel Stadium (1966–present) Chavez Ravine Stadium (1962–1965) Wrigley Field (1961)
Major league titles
World Series titles (1)	2002
AL Pennants (1)	2002
AL West Division titles (9)	1979 1982 1986 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009 2014
Wild card berths (1)	2002
Front office
Principal owner(s)	Arte Moreno
President	Molly Jolly
General manager	John Mozeliak (Interim)
Manager	Kurt Suzuki

The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team located in Anaheim, California, within the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels play in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League (AL) West Division. The team plays its home games at Angel Stadium, where they have competed since 1966.

The franchise was created in Los Angeles in 1961 by entertainer Gene Autry. It was one of MLB's first two expansion teams and the very first to start in California. The club took its name from an earlier team, the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). The team moved to Anaheim in 1966. Over the years, the club has used several names, including the California Angels and the Anaheim Angels.

The Angels won the 2002 World Series, which is their only championship title so far. Many legendary players have worn the Angels uniform, including Nolan Ryan, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Vladimir Guerrero, Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani. The team reached a historic milestone by winning over 5,000 total games in franchise history.

Franchise History and Team Origins

How the Angels Were Founded in 1961

The PCL's Angels (1892–1957) played in L.A. at Wrigley Field until the arrival of the Dodgers in 1958. The Angels nickname originates from the PCL franchise.

The name "Los Angeles Angels" dates back to 1892. It comes from the Spanish name Los Ángeles, which means "The Angels." In 1903, a minor league team in the Pacific Coast League used this name.

In late 1960, MLB decided to add new teams. Entertainer Gene Autry, known as the "Singing Cowboy," bought the rights to the name for $350,000. The MLB Angels played their first season in 1961.

During their first season, the Angels played at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. In 1962, they moved to Dodger Stadium, which they called "Chavez Ravine," sharing the park with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Moving to Orange County and Name Changes

Angel Stadium (enclosed), 1991

Gene Autry wanted the team to have its own home stadium. In 1964, construction started on Anaheim Stadium in Orange County. On September 2, 1965, the team changed its name to the California Angels.

The team began playing in Anaheim in 1966. In 1997, The Walt Disney Company bought control of the franchise. Disney renovated the stadium and renamed the team the Anaheim Angels.

Under manager Mike Scioscia, the Angels won their first championship in the 2002 World Series. In 2005, owner Arte Moreno updated the name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Later, the club returned to using the simple name Los Angeles Angels. In late 2019, plans to buy and remodel the land surrounding the stadium were discussed by city leaders. In 2026, sports executive Stan Kroenke announced plans to purchase the franchise from the Moreno family.

Team Culture and Fun Traditions

Famous Slogans and Stadium Celebrations

The motto "Win One for the Cowboy" became an important part of team history. It was a tribute to original owner Gene Autry, who loved the team dearly. Autry wore a white Stetson hat, and his number 26 was retired to celebrate him as the team's "26th Man."

The "Big A" at Angel Stadium

Angel Stadium is famous for "The Big A," a giant 230-foot-tall landmark shaped like the letter "A" with a halo on top. Whenever the Angels win a home game, the halo lights up bright, leading to the famous catchphrase, "Light That Baby Up!"

The stadium also features the "California Spectacular" in center field. This is an artificial rock mountain with a real waterfall. Whenever an Angel hits a home run or the team wins, colorful fireworks shoot out from the rocks. Before every home game, the team plays the song "Calling All Angels" by Train alongside exciting video highlights.

The Story of the Rally Monkey Mascot

The Rally Monkey on the jumbotron at Angel Stadium - 2023

The Rally Monkey is one of the most famous mascots in baseball history. The tradition began during a game in the 2000 season.

The stadium crew showed a funny movie clip of a jumping monkey on the big video screen. The crowd cheered, and the Angels came from behind to win the game. The team then created special videos starring Katie, an energetic capuchin monkey.

Whenever the Angels are tied or trailing from the seventh inning onward, the Rally Monkey appears on screen jumping to the song "Jump Around" by House of Pain while holding a sign that says "RALLY TIME!" The Rally Monkey became world-famous during the team's magical championship run in the 2002 World Series.

Fan Attendance and Popularity

The Angels enjoy strong fan support across Southern California. Between 2003 and 2019, more than three million fans attended home games each year.

Angels fans are also known for setting exciting world records. Supporters have earned Guinness World Records at the stadium for large gatherings of people wearing cowboy hats, superhero capes, wrestling masks, and Santa hats.

Team Logos, Colors, and Uniforms

The Angels' current alternate wordmark

The Angels' current primary wordmark

Angel Stadium

Throughout team history, the Angels have worn several distinct styles and color schemes. The original 1961 colors were navy blue and red. The primary logo showed an interlocking "LA" with a silver halo hovering on top.

When the team became the California Angels, the cap logo changed to an interlocking "CA." In the 1970s and 1980s, the club used a bold capital "A" with a gold halo over the top, known as the "Big A" look.

In 1997, Disney introduced navy blue and periwinkle uniforms featuring an "A" with angel wings. In 2002, the team adopted its modern look: bright red, navy blue, and silver. In 2022, the club released special sand-colored City Connect jerseys celebrating Southern California's beach and surfing heritage.

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  Los Angeles Angels logo from 1961–1965

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  California Angels logo from 1966–1970

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  California Angels logo from 1971–1972

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  California Angels logo from 1972–1988

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  California Angels logo from 1989–1992

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  California Angels logo from 1993–1996

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  Anaheim Angels logo from 1997–2001

Major Baseball Rivalries

Oakland Athletics

The Angels and Athletics have played in the same division since 1969. In 2002, the two clubs had an exciting race for first place before the Angels went on to win the championship. In 2004, the division title came down to a dramatic series in the final week of the season.

Seattle Mariners

The Angels and Seattle Mariners compete regularly for division standing. In 1995, the two clubs finished tied after 162 games and had to play a one-game playoff to decide the division winner. Both teams have shared many memorable battles over the years.

Texas Rangers

The Angels and Texas Rangers have an exciting division rivalry. Many famous players have played for both franchises during their careers, including strikeout king Nolan Ryan and slugger Vladimir Guerrero. In 1984, Angels pitcher Mike Witt threw a rare perfect game against Texas.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The rivalry between the Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers is called the "Freeway Series." The name comes from Interstate 5, the major highway connecting the two ballparks. Because both teams share the greater Los Angeles area, their matchup brings huge crowds and great community excitement.

Broadcasting History

Angels games are broadcast on the radio on flagship station KLAA 830 AM, with Terry Smith and Mark Langston calling the plays. Spanish-language broadcasts air on KWKW 1330 AM with José Tolentino.

On television, Angels games are produced and shown on the team's sports network, featuring Wayne Randazzo on play-by-play and former pitcher Mark Gubicza providing expert analysis. Legendary broadcaster Dick Enberg called games for the team for many seasons, coining the phrase, "And the halo shines tonight!"

Awards, Honors, and Hall of Fame Members

Gene Autry, team founder and owner (1960–1998)

Retired Numbers

Jim Fregosi SS, Manager Retired August 1, 1998 Gene Autry Team Founder Retired October 3, 1982 Rod Carew 1B, Coach Retired August 12, 1986 Nolan Ryan P Retired June 16, 1992 Jimmie Reese Coach Retired August 2, 1995 Jackie Robinson All MLB Honored April 15, 1997

• Number 26 was retired for founder Gene Autry as the "26th Man" on the roster.
• Number 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997 to honor civil rights pioneer Jackie Robinson.

Angels Hall of Fame

Don Baylor, the first Angels player to win the AL MVP award, was inducted into the team Hall of Fame in 1990.

Angels infielder and coach Rod Carew was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1991.

Pitcher Nolan Ryan threw four no-hitters with the Angels and was inducted into the franchise Hall of Fame in 1992.

Angels outfielder Vladimir Guerrero won an MVP with the Angels in 2004 and was inducted to the team Hall of Fame in 2017.

The franchise created its own Hall of Fame in 1988 to celebrate great players, managers, and contributors.

National Baseball Hall of Fame Members

Several members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, spent important years with the Angels:

Team Roster

Minor League Affiliates

The Angels develop young prospects through their minor league affiliate teams:

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