Frustration regarding the ownership of the Angels hit a new peak Monday night when shirtless fans convened at Angel Stadium, aiming to send a clear message to owner Arte Moreno.
This outpouring was sparked a few days earlier by the “tarp off” trend that began at Busch Stadium in St. Louis and quickly spread to Anaheim during a game between the Angels and Athletics.
Instead of simply rallying behind their team, fans took advantage of the moment to chant “Sell the team!” while waving their shirts above their heads during the Angels’ 2-1 walk-off win against the Athletics.
This display paralleled scenes from earlier in St. Louis, where hundreds of shirtless fans celebrated a dramatic victory for the Cardinals over the Royals. It all started with some club baseball players and soon took off across various social media platforms as the “tarp off” trend.
However, the vibe in Anaheim was noticeably different. The chants reflected a long-standing dissatisfaction with Moreno’s stewardship of the team.
Reports indicate a 20 percent drop in attendance over the last two decades, a stretch that has included only one postseason series win, a ten-game losing streak, and a disheartening eleven consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
This growing displeasure was particularly evident during the Angels’ home opener earlier this season, where fans booed the ceremonial first pitch and chanted “Sell the team” throughout the game.
Since 2010, the Angels have made the playoffs just once, failing to build a consistent championship contender, even with a payroll ranking among the highest in Major League Baseball during Moreno’s time as owner.
In late 2022, Moreno considered selling the team but ultimately retracted his intentions, citing “unfinished business.” Presently, with reduced long-term payroll commitments and many front office members working on short-term contracts, there’s a belief within baseball that the franchise may be open to a change in ownership if Moreno revisits the notion of selling.
Meanwhile, one thing remains clear: Angels fans are calling for change.
