Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (formerly Anaheim Angels) - Facts & Franchise History

In 1961, the Angels began life as the Los Angeles Angels, playing at Wrigley Field (capacity 20,500) in Los Angeles.  In 1962, the team moved to "Chavez Ravine" (the name of present day Dodger Stadium when both  the Angels and the Dodgers played there). In 1965, the team was renamed California Angels, in anticipation of its move to the newly built Anaheim Stadium in the following year.  The Angels played their first game at Anaheim on April 9, 1966, in an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants. In 1997, the team was renamed Anaheim Angels. In 1998, the Angels opened before 43,311 fans in the newly refurbished Anaheim Stadium, now known as Edison International Field. In 2002, for the first time in the team's history, the Angels enter and then proceed to win the World Series. In 2004, new owner Arte Moreno, against considerable protest by many Orange County fans, intended to change the team's name back to Los Angeles Angels in order to appeal to the huge potential fan base in the 900-pound gorilla to the north (Los Angeles).  Considerable opposition by Orange County fans, especially from the City of Anaheim, compelled Moreno to attempt to them by settling on Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (although, placate it did not).

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