California Bill Aims to Change Angels’ Name
A new legislative proposal in California could compel the Anaheim Angels to drop “Los Angeles” from their name. This change arises from the fact that the team doesn’t actually play in Los Angeles County, or the city itself.
Before 2005, the team was simply known as the “Anaheim Angels.” However, under owner Arte Moreno, they rebranded as the “Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim” to boost visibility in the local television market and satisfy a deal related to Anaheim Stadium. In 2016, the name was shortened to “Los Angeles Angels,” despite the team’s base being in Orange County. Recently, Congressman Avelino Valencia proposed a bill that could change this situation.
Valencia’s bill, AB 2512, would mandate Major League Baseball to revert to using “Anaheim Angels” in all official documents and promotional materials.
This change would only happen if the city provides the team with special legal permissions to assist in selling, leasing, or redeveloping Angel Stadium and the adjacent land. The bill received unanimous support in the Assembly this week and is now moving to the state Senate.
Valencia expressed, “Anaheim is a world-class city, and I’ve seen it grow here firsthand. The pride our residents have is genuine and well-deserved. My community engages with the Angels franchise every year, and they deserve recognition beyond being an afterthought.”
He further stated, “Local MLB teams should reflect the cities where they play.”
Anaheim Mayor Ashley Aitken reportedly asked the city attorney to explore whether the team breached its lease by dropping Anaheim from the name. A previous lawsuit in 2016, where the Angels aimed to retain “Anaheim” in their name, ended in favor of the team.
Previously, Anaheim and the Angels had an agreement that allowed the franchise to buy the 150-acre stadium site and develop the surrounding area. However, this agreement collapsed following a federal corruption probe involving former Mayor Harry Sidhu.
Since their World Series win in 2002, the Angels have not reached the playoffs again, and they’re currently at the bottom of the MLB standings.
