Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Guide Note:

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play in the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The Angels were the 2002 World Series Champions and have won the West Division Title in 2007, 2005, 2004, 1986, 1982, and 1979.

Fast Facts:

1. Also Known As: California Angels and Anaheim Angels
2. Owner: Arte Moreno
3. General Manager: Tony Reagins
4. Manager: Mike Scioscia
5. Founded in 1961
6. 1966 Moved to Anaheim
7. World Series Titles: 1 (2002)
8. Home: Angel Stadium, Anaheim
9. Mascot: The Rally Monkey
10. Nickname: The Halos

Early Years

The Angels franchise was established in 1961 by Actor, singer and performer Gene Autry who brought the team to Los Angeles as an expansion team. The team played their first season at Los Angeles' Wrigley Field. The next year they would move to Chavez Ravine where they would share the stadium with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

California Angels

With Autry not content with sharing a stadium with the Dodgers, he quickly went about trying to find a new home for the team. After an exhaustive search he settled on the city of Anaheim. With the move away from Los Angeles Gene Autry announced on September 2, 1965, the Los Angeles Angels would become the California Angels.

Disney Ownership

In 1996, the Disney Company, a former minority owner in the Angels franchise took over majority control, with properties and attractions in Anaheim, the company took advantage of the branding and marketing possibilities for the city and changed the name to the Anaheim Angels. Under the ownership of the Disney Company the Angels would win their first World Series title in 2002. Led by World Series MVP Troy Glaus the Angels would win a thrilling 7 game series against the San Francisco Giants. Highlighted by one of the most tremendous comeback's in World Series history, the team was able to overcome a 5-0 deficit with 8 outs left in game six thanks to a home run by Scott Spiezio, then by Darin Erstad, and a bases clearing double by Troy Glaus.

Arte Moreno Ownership

On May 15, 2003 the Disney Company sold the team to Hispanic businessman Arturo Moreno. He would later change the name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in an effort to capitalize on the marketing and branding possibilities of a Los Angeles name, but also keeping Anaheim in the title to honor a city lease. The Angels have been enjoying tremendous success under his reign, consistently putting on the field a competitive and fan friendly team.

Angels Timeline:

• 1961: Established
• 1965: Named the California Angels
• 1997: Named Anaheim Angels
• 2002: Win World Series
• 2005: Renamed Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim