2009 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Even as we say “Congratulations” to the New York Yankees, who beat the Angels 4 games to 2 to advance to the 2009 World Series, we want to say a big “Thank you” to the Los Angeles Angels, winners of the AL West Division, for the outstanding season they had!

The Los Angeles Angels won the AL West Division for the second season in a row in 2008, and they’re starting the 2009 season determined to go deeper into the playoffs. They made several key additions in the offseason, including outfielders Bobby Abreu and Juan Rivera and pitcher Brian Fuentes, and though they lost first basemen Mark Teixeira to the Yankees, they have the young Kendry Morales to take his place. If Morales can deliver, the Angeles are in an excellent position to dominate the AL West. Get your tickets to Angel Stadium and watch the Los Angeles Angels dominate in 2009!

Early Struggles

The Los Angeles Angels were created in 1961 as part of the first expansion baseball had seen in decades. Founded by former actor Gene Autry, the Angels struggled to find success in their first couple of decades. Even with Nolan Ryan, who led the league in strikeouts 7 times and threw 4 of his record 7 no hitters with the team, the Angels of the 1970s would not finish above 2nd place until 1979. The team finally rewarded Gene Autry and the fans in 1979 with their first West Division title. Though they lost the AL Championship Series that year, the Angels would add slugger Reggie Jackson and remain competitive over the years that followed, winning the West Division twice more in 1982 and 1986.

From the Los Angeles Angels to the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

A new era in Angels’ baseball began in 1996 when the Walt Disney Company purchased the team from Gene Autry’s estate. The team was renamed the Anaheim Angels to better reflect their location in 1997. The Angels struggled to maintain a .500 record the following few seasons. But, in 2002 the team put it all together, winning 99 games and defeating the San Francisco Giants in 7 games to win their first World Series title.

In 2005 the Angels were renamed the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and won their second straight West Division title. With Manager Mike Scioscia continuing to steer the ship and stars such as Vladimir Guerrero the Angels will remain World Series contenders regardless of any future name changes.