The Los Angeles Angels have made it official — they are going back to where it all began. Effective immediately, the franchise will once again be known as the “Anaheim Angels,” a deeply symbolic return to their heritage and a stirring gesture of gratitude to the generations of fans who have stood by the team through triumph and heartbreak alike.
The announcement was made during a special ceremony at Angel Stadium, where team owner Arte Moreno appeared before a sold-out crowd of passionate fans and former players. As fireworks lit up the sky and a string quartet played nostalgic tunes from the early 2000s, Moreno emotionally declared, “This is for the people of Anaheim — the heartbeat of our franchise. Today, we honor our past to shape a stronger, more united future.” The crowd responded with thunderous cheers and chants of “Let’s go Anaheim!”
The decision to revert to the Anaheim Angels name comes after years of public outcry and heated debates over the franchise’s shifting identity. Originally named the “Los Angeles Angels,” then becoming the “Anaheim Angels” in 1997 following their move to Anaheim, and later morphing into the “Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim,” fans have long craved a return to the name that resonated most with the heart and soul of Orange County.
Baseball legends such as Tim Salmon, Garret Anderson, and Troy Glaus were all present at the ceremony, some visibly moved to tears as they stood in solidarity with fans and the city that shaped their careers. “We were the Anaheim Angels when we made history,” Glaus said, referring to the franchise’s 2002 World Series victory. “It feels like coming home. This name isn’t just a label — it’s a legacy.”
Merchandise sales exploded overnight as fans rushed to get their hands on retro-styled “Anaheim Angels” gear, while social media was ablaze with emotional tributes, photos, and memories tagged #ForeverAnaheim. From die-hard supporters who’ve followed the team since the Gene Autry days, to new generations learning about the team’s rich legacy, the rebrand has rekindled a powerful bond between the franchise and its community.
As the Angels prepare for the second half of the season, the team hopes the name change injects fresh energy into their playoff push. But beyond wins and losses, this moment is already a victory for the culture of baseball. The return of the “Anaheim Angels” name is more than just a marketing move — it’s a healing gesture, a homecoming, and a heartfelt promise that the spirit of Anaheim will forever be stitched into the fabric of America’s pastime.
