In the heart of Orange County and just three miles from Disneyland, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play in Major League Baseball's American League division. Although known once again as the Los Angeles Angels, the team has gone through several name changes over its brief history.
Owned by legendary singing cowboy Gene Autry, the Angels began as the expansion team Los Angeles Angels in 1961, becoming known as the California Angels in the mid-60s. When the Walt Disney Company purchased the club in the 90s, the name was again changed, to Anaheim Angels.
The most contentious name change came in 2005 when new ownership chose to revert to the original Los Angeles name. However, this created a legal point of contention with the city of Anaheim; the club lease with the city-owned stadium contains a clause requiring "Anaheim" to be part of the official team name. The courts subsequently found in favor of the team that is now known officially as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The Angels were World Series champs for the first time in franchise history in 2002 and have been consistent playoff contenders since. Current all-star Hideki Matsui, who earned the MVP award for the Yankees in the 2009 World Series, has recently joined the Angels roster. Other Hall of Famers such as Rod Carew and Nolan Ryan have played for the Angels.
The infamous Rally Monkey was born at an Angels game in 2000 when the words "Rally Monkey" were superimposed over a clip from the movie Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, and flashed on the Jumbotron. The crowd roared, and the Angels rallied to win. When the team faced elimination in the 2002 World Series, rally-monkey fan support empowered the Angels to win and eventually clinch the championship in game seven.
And, yes, there really is Rally Monkey Etiquette. Rally Monkeys are to be saved until at least the 7th inning; and at least one Angel runner must be on base before the Rally Monkey comes alive.
The Angels play at Angels Stadium, fondly known by locals as the Big A. Easily accessible from the Los Angeles freeway system or from a stop on either the Metrolink or Amtrak, it's easy to go see the Angels -- and maybe even the Rally Monkey -- in action.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Variable and based on club schedule
- Admission:
- Adults: $14 and up, Children: $5 and up
- Metro Stop:
- MetroLink to the Angel Stadium of Anaheim stop. Walk across the parking lot to the stadium.
- Contact:
- Location: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA
- Phone: 714-940-2000
- Website: www.losangeles.angels.mlb.com/ticketing
