Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) runs from the outfield against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
A couple years after buying the then-Anaheim Angels, franchise owner Arte Moreno changed the team’s name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Even though Anaheim, California is not part of Los Angeles County, Moreno believed changing the name to include a larger city could help increase marketability.
By the 2016 season, the franchise dropped “Anaheim” entirely and became the “Los Angeles Angels”.
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Now a decade later, Assemblyman Avelino Valencia is fighting to get “Anaheim” back in the franchise’s name by introducing the “Home Run for Anaheim Act”
“I grew up rooting for our Anaheim Angels just like thousands of families across Anaheim and Orange County,” Valencia said in a statement Wednesday, March 25. “Anaheim has been home to this franchise for nearly 60 years. Residents built the stadium, packed the stands, and cheered with their rally monkeys all the way to a World Series title in 2002.
“That history belongs to our community,” Valencia added, “and the team’s name should too.”
Avelino’s proposed bill would require the franchise to include “Anaheim” in its name if it receives an exemption from the Surplus Land Act to develop Angel Stadium.
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Angels Will Open 2026 Season With ‘Los Angeles’ in Name
As of March 26, Avelino’s bill has not been passed. Therefore, the franchise will start the 2026 season under the name “Los Angeles Angels”.
The Angels will open its 2026 season on the road against the Houston Astros. The Halos will return to Angel Stadium for their home opener against the Seattle Mariners on April 3.
The Halos are coming off a 10th straight losing season in 2025. This season, under new manager Kurt Suzuki, will be a chance for the Halos to work their way back up to postseason play.
Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images