There’s no question that saying Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is a tongue-twister, but no one’s going to fault you for just simply saying, “Angels.” Besides, this team’s name hasn’t always been this long. When the franchise joined the American League in 1961, it was known as the Los Angeles Angels. In 1966, the name changed to the California Angels and by 1997, the team was the Anaheim Angels. It’s only since 2005 that the team began making news headlines as having the longest name in baseball.
Ballpark / Stadium – Angel Stadium of Anaheim
The Angels play the home games on their schedule at what’s now called Angel Stadium of Anaheim. But, like the team itself, the ballpark has had several names, including Anaheim Stadium and Edison International Field of Anaheim. The park opened in 1966, making it the fourth-oldest park in the major leagues, behind those in Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles. Angel Stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, including one that cost more than $100 million between 1997 and 1999. Since the 2013 season, the park has had an official capacity of 45,483.
One World Series Championship
Angels fans have only had the chance to celebrate on World Series championship. The Angels were crowned baseball’s best in 2002, led by players like Troy Glaus, Garret Anderson, John Lackey and Troy Percival. The team needed seven games to clinch the series over the San Francisco Giants. That same season, 2002, marks the Angels lone American League Pennant, although the club has made the postseason nine times, including an impressive run in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Roster
Although many of baseball’s greatest players once appeared on the Angels roster, the team doesn’t have any members inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame wearing the Angels cap. Hall of fame members who spent time in the Angels colors, however, include Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Frank Robinson, Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson. Recent stars for the Angels have included Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and David Freese.
Spring Training
The Angels Spring Training site is Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, AZ. The park opened in 1968 and has been used by the Angels since 1993. Previously, the Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners used the facility. Tempe Diablo Stadium holds 9,558 fans and went through a major renovation to modernize the park prior to Spring Training in 2006. The Angels Minor League Baseball affiliates are the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, Double-A Arkansas Travelers, Advanced-A Inland Empire 66ers, Class-A Burlington Bees and rookie league Orem Owlz, Arizona League Angels and Dominican Summer League Angels.
The Ballpark Guide hasn’t visited the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim yet, but hopes to in the near future. If you’re excited to read a fan guide to Angel Stadium of Anaheim, check out the many ways you can support The Ballpark Guide on future baseball road trips.