A Triumphant Homecoming: Anaheim Angels Rise Again 🌟
ANAHEIM, CALIF (June 9, 2025) – In a move that has thrilled fans across Orange County and honored the deep traditions of the franchise, Angels Baseball, L.P. and the City of Anaheim announced today that the team is officially reverting its name back to Anaheim Angels. The announcement marks a long‑awaited victory for local supporters who have championed the identity that resonates most authentically with their community.
A Walk Through History: Names That Echo Through Time
From the franchise’s inception in 1961 through the mid‑1960s, the team proudly wore the name Los Angeles Angels. The shift to California Angels in 1965 was spurred by a relocation to Anaheim Stadium, reflecting a statewide identity . In 1997, under Disney’s ownership, the franchise formally embraced the Anaheim Angels name—cementing an eight‑year era of Orange County pride.
But in 2005, in a controversial move aimed at accessing the vast Los Angeles market, then‑owner Arte Moreno introduced the awkwardly expansive Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim . While this underscored an ambitious strategy to increase revenue streams, it alienated many Orange County fans accustomed to cheering under the Anaheim banner.
Despite legal tussles in court and repeated city pleas to resume the Anaheim association; by 2016, usage of “Los Angeles Angels” had become standard, effectively obliterating the franchise’s local branding.
What Sparked the Resurrection?
The catalyst for today’s announcement didn’t come out of thin air. In April 2025, Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken wrote a high‑profile open letter to team ownership and Arte Moreno, calling for serious “open and honest conversation about the future of baseball in Anaheim” The letter emphasized community engagement, stadium transparency, and critically—a return of the Anaheim name.
“The city’s largest asset must represent its people,” Mayor Aitken said, underscoring public sentiment That message resonated deeply within fanbases and political circles alike, gaining traction across Orange County.
The Announcement: A Moment Years in the Making
Today at Angel Stadium—soon to be referred to with renewed emphasis as “Anaheim Stadium”—a formal press conference revealed the new partnership and ongoing lease extension through at least 2032.
Arte Moreno, founder and CEO of Angels Baseball, expressed support for the decision:
“We’ve always been proud to play in Anaheim, and today we embrace the name that reflects our true home.” The move, he stated, is “a unifying step for the entire Orange County community.”
Mayor Aitken reciprocated:
“This is more than a name change—it’s a commitment: a partnership between the city and team, built on mutual respect, shared investment, and a future where Anaheim is front and center.”
The agreement also outlines enhanced community engagement initiatives, including local hiring priorities for stadium staff, infrastructure investments in nearby schools, surveys of fans on branding and ballpark experience, and the formation of a joint oversight committee on stadium updates.
Local & Fan Reactions: The Angle of Enthusiasm
Across Anaheim, reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Longtime season‑ticket holder Maria Gonzalez shared her excitement:
“I’ve cheered for 30 years and always considered them the Anaheim Angels. Now, it’s official again—it feels like coming home.”
Alan Cheng, an Orange County resident and youth baseball coach, noted, “This isn’t just semantics—it’s identity. Kids growing up here belong to the Anaheim Angels, not Los Angeles.”
Responding to the news, Reddit’s r/angelsbaseball community lit up with celebratory posts. One user noted:
“Honestly, at this point, what’s the point of being the ‘LOS ANGELES’ Angels?
Another remarked:
“We and most of the fans … would like [their] real name back … Anaheim Angels … it didn’t sit well with … fans.
These sentiments echo frustration with earlier convoluted naming and validate the new decision.
Beyond the Visuals: What’s in a Name?
The significance here goes far beyond jerseys and logos. This marks a broad cultural and economic reaffirmation of Anaheim’s role in Angels Baseball:
- Community Identity – Reinstating “Anaheim” acknowledges decades of fan loyalty, recognizing local traditions and a distinct Orange County spirit.
- Economic Alignment – By embracing Anaheim in name and partnership, the city stands to benefit from shared revenue, civic funding, and tourism tied to sports.
- Long‑term Stability – A formal agreement tied to infrastructure and community projects assures longevity—offsetting past learnings where negotiations faltered over stadium upgrades .
Mike Trout, iconic Angels player and longtime team ambassador, articulated it best:
“We play in Anaheim. Our fans are here. This brings that connection full circle.”
What’s Next: Transition Strategies
Angels Baseball has laid out a comprehensive two‑phase strategy for the next 12 months:
Phase 1 – Immediate Rebranding
- Alter team nomenclature on official platforms, digital media, and press to “Anaheim Angels.”
- Introduce refreshed home jerseys featuring “ANAHEIM” prominently, alongside a reimagined classic logo.
- Launch a retro merchandise line paying homage to the 1997‑2004 Anaheim era.
Phase 2 – Stadium & Community Upgrades
- Collaborate with the City-administered joint committee to plan renovations and modern amenities at Angel Stadium.
- Implement Anaheim‑centric design elements in fan areas, with local art and historic imagery.
- Boost staffing and concession hiring from within the city, supporting local job growth.
Echoes of the Past, Hope for the Future
Sports franchises often adopt metropolitan names to speak to broader demographics—but Anaheim’s unique identity stuck even during the “Los Angeles” years. The “Angel Stadium of Anaheim” moniker has endured since 1966, reinforcing the daily association with the city.
Most tellingly, despite the formal shift to Los Angeles Angels in 2016, many fans, media outlets, and even baseball cards continued to display “Angels” without geographic qualifiers—underscoring that local identity never truly faded.
Today’s move reclaims that narrative officially, cementing Anaheim’s centrality in the team’s brand, heritage, and future.
New Chapter, Same Halo
With this announcement, the franchise bridges a storied lineage—from its origins as the Los Angeles Angels in 1961, through the Golden Era under Disney, to the championship glory of the early 2000s—and into a renewed relationship with its hometown. The iconic “Big A” lights, the Rally Monkey tradition, the energy of opening day—all will now shine under the Anaheim banner once more.
Arte Moreno sealed the moment with a promise:
“We are Anaheim Angels—not just in name, but in spirit, investment, and presence. Our new partnership isn’t rewind—it’s a fast‑forward to a stronger, deeper future.”
The Game Day Experience: Announcing “Anaheim Angels Days”
Starting next season, select home games will be renamed “Anaheim Angels Days.” Expect exclusive promotions:
- “Anaheim Angels” cap giveaways.
- Throwback nights honoring the 1997 team.
- Community celebrations with Mayor Aitken, local leaders, and Angels alumni.
The aim is clear: bind the team to its local supporters deeper than ever—on Sundays, holidays, and every home game.
Final Inning: A Local Legacy Reborn
Today doesn’t just mark a cosmetic shift—it’s a milestone for civic pride, sports tradition, and community unity.
When Anaheim’s youth take to the field wearing the Anaheim Angels logo, it will be more than a uniform—it will represent a bond between team and hometown, golden years and bright tomorrows.
