MLB Team Guide
Los Angeles Angels: History, World Series & Facts
The Angels joined the American League as an expansion team in 1961, the first MLB franchise to originate in California. They won their only World Series in 2002.
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Quick facts
| Founded | 1961, AL expansion team |
|---|---|
| Ballpark | Angel Stadium, Anaheim (home since 1966) |
| World Series titles | 1 (2002) |
| AL pennants | 1 (2002) |
| Division titles | 9 through 2025 (1979, 1982, 1986, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014) |
| Name history | Los Angeles (1961–65), California (1965–96), Anaheim (1997–2004), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–15), Los Angeles Angels (2016–) |
World Series history
The Angels have won one World Series, in 2002. Through the 2025 season it is also their only American League pennant.
- 2002 World Series: beat the San Francisco Giants 4–3
- 2002 ALCS: beat the Minnesota Twins 4–1
- ALCS appearances also in 1979, 1982, 1986, 2005 and 2009
Franchise history
- 1961: Began play as the Los Angeles Angels at LA's Wrigley Field.
- 1962–1965: Shared Dodger Stadium, which the Angels called Chavez Ravine Stadium.
- 1965: Renamed the California Angels.
- 1966: Opened Anaheim Stadium (later renamed Angel Stadium).
- 1979: Won the franchise's first division title.
- 1997: Renamed the Anaheim Angels.
- 2002: Won the World Series over the San Francisco Giants.
Franchise record holders
| Hits | Garret Anderson, 2,368 |
|---|---|
| Pitching wins | Chuck Finley, 165 |
| Strikeouts | Nolan Ryan, 2,416 |
Retired numbers
- 11Jim Fregosi
- 26Gene Autry (founding owner)
- 29Rod Carew
- 30Nolan Ryan
- 42Jackie Robinson (retired across MLB)
- 50Jimmie Reese (coach)
Hall of Famers
Vladimir Guerrero.
Biggest rivalries
- Los Angeles Dodgers: the crosstown Freeway Series rival; the Angels played home games at Dodger Stadium from 1962 to 1965.
- Boston Red Sox: five postseason meetings through the 2025 season: 1986, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
- New York Yankees: three postseason meetings through the 2025 season: 2002, 2005 and 2009.
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How many World Series have the Angels won?
One, in 2002, over the San Francisco Giants in seven games.
Why have the Angels changed their name so often?
The team has used four names: Los Angeles Angels (1961), California Angels (1965), Anaheim Angels (1997) and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005). It became the Los Angeles Angels again in 2016.
When did the Angels move to Anaheim?
In 1966, when Anaheim Stadium opened. The team had played in Los Angeles from 1961 to 1965.
Who has the most hits in Angels history?
Garret Anderson, with 2,368.
Which Hall of Famer wears an Angels cap on his plaque?
Vladimir Guerrero, inducted in 2018.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.