Why Are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Called the Angels?

The name 'Los Angeles Angels' is a rich tapestry of history and branding, reflecting the ebbs and flows of professional sports in the American West. This article delves into why and how these baseball team names have evolved, providing a comprehensive look at this interesting chapter in sports history.

Introduction to the Naming Conundrum

The city of Anaheim, California, is famously known as the 'City of Angels' due to its charming and welcoming atmosphere. However, the baseball team that once played there was not called simply the 'Angels.' Instead, it was known as the 'California Angels,' 'Anaheim Angels,' and finally as the 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.' The journey of this name change is a fascinating story of branding, marketing, and contractual constraints.

The Early Days: Los Angeles Angels of 1961

Back in 1961, when the team was first created as part of the expansion in Major League Baseball (MLB), they were called the Los Angeles Angels. This name stuck for four seasons until 1965, when they briefly changed to become the 'California Angels'

The Move to Anaheim: 1965 to 1997

Following the 1965 season, the team relocated to their new home in Anaheim. To honor this move, they adopted the name 'Anaheim Angels' in 1966. This change coincided with the opening of the newly constructed Anaheim Stadium, which was renamed Disney Stadium under Disney's control.

Disney's Influence: 1997 to 2005

Disney took over the team and the stadium in 1997, leading to another significant name change. To solidify the connection between the team and the city, they were rebranded as the 'Anaheim Angels.' However, there were specific contractual conditions that required the city's name in both the team and the stadium titles. This led to the Disney's Anaheim Stadium being renamed Edison International Field of Anaheim, and the team was officially named the 'Anaheim Angels.'

Reversion to the Los Angeles Name: 2005 to Present

Arturo Moreno, the new owner of the team, sought to change the team's name back to the 'Los Angeles Angels' in 2005. However, due to lease agreements with Disney, he was unable to fully change the name. Hence, the official title became 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,' a name that served both as a nod to the city's history and as a compromise in the face of contractual constraints.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Despite the official name change, the team is often referred to as simply 'the Los Angeles Angels.' The Associated Press is one of the few entities that use the full title 'Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.' The name 'Anaheim' is still a crucial part of the team's identity, reflecting the historical significance of the city and the stadium's connection to Disney.

Conclusion

The journey of the team that calls itself the Los Angeles Angels is a testament to the complex interplay between sports, branding, and local politics. From its original name to its final iteration, the team's evolution has been a careful dance between local pride and corporate constraints.