Sports History

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The Los Angeles Angels, currently soaring high in baseball, have donned several names throughout their rich history. Let's take a quick flight through their moniker evolution:

1961-1965: Los Angeles Angels: Starting their journey in the City of Angels, they carried the city's name with pride.

1966-1996: California Angels: As they moved to Anaheim Stadium, they embraced the wider Californian identity.

1997-2004: Anaheim Angels: Under The Walt Disney Company's ownership, the focus shifted back to their Anaheim home.

2005-2015: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: This name change aimed to leverage Los Angeles' larger market while acknowledging their Anaheim roots.

2016-present: Los Angeles Angels: Finally, they dropped the "of Anaheim," solidifying their identity as the Los Angeles Angels once again.

This journey reflects the franchise's evolving relationship with its surrounding areas. They started in one city, expanded their reach, then pivoted back, ultimately settling on a broader identity anchored in Los Angeles.

Life and career bio of Mr. October. Born May 18, 1946, in Abington, Pennsylvania, was Baseball Hall of Fame slugger, Reggie Jackson.

The legend played 21 seasons in the MLB for the Kansas City / Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and California Angels. Jackson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1993.

Jackson batted 0.262 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.49, with 563 career Home Runs. MLB Number 9 Jersey. MLB Number 44 Jersey.

Born July 26, 1922, in Huntersville, North Carolina, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher, Hoyt Wilhelm. This eight-time MLB All-Star and World Series 1954 member of the New York Giants was an ace of the bullpen known for his nasty knuckle ball. Wilhelm won 124 games in relief, which is still the major league record. He was the first pitcher to reach 200 saves, and the first to appear in 1,000 games. Hoyt famously threw a no-hitter in 1958. Besides the Giants, Hoyt pitched for with the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers between 1952 and 1972. Wilhelm was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.

Born June 27, 1970, in Fullerton, California, was legendary MLB Center Fielder, Jim Edmonds. Jim played in the MLB from 1993 to 2010 for the California/Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. batting .284 with 393 home runs and an on-base plus slugging percentage of .903.

Born December 4, 1957, in Jamestown, Louisiana, Pitcher Lee Smith was a Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher. This legend took the hill for the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds, and Montreal Expos during his 18-year MLB career. Lee was a seven-time All-Star and three-time Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year.

Lance Parrish, nicknamed "Big Wheel" for his powerful hitting and tireless work ethic, carved out a remarkable 19-year career behind the plate. While not as flashy as some of his contemporaries, Parrish's impact transcended mere statistics. He was a rock behind the plate, a leader in the clubhouse, and a force to be reckoned with at the bat.

Parrish's journey began with the Detroit Tigers in 1977. Quickly establishing himself as a force to be feared offensively, he earned six Silver Slugger Awards, highlighting his consistent power hitting. He clubbed over 300 home runs and drove in more than 1,000 runs throughout his career. However, Parrish was more than just a slugger. He also displayed a keen understanding of the game, calling pitches with intelligence and guiding young pitchers through their development.

Born June 15, 1956, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, was legendary MLB catcher Lance Parrish. Lance was a an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove fielder, and won baseball's Silver Slugger award six-times.

He was a member of the Detroit Tigers organization for 10 seasons, even helping them to win the 1984 World Series. Parrish also played for the California Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and the Toronto Blue Jays at the latter portion of his career in the Big Leagues.

Defense was another hallmark of Parrish's game. His work ethic and dedication to his craft earned him three Gold Glove Awards. He was a master of game-calling, a skilled strategist who anticipated hitters' moves and orchestrated the defense accordingly. Parrish's ability to handle a potent pitching staff like the Tigers' in the early 1980s was crucial to their success.

Lance had 324 career Home Runs during his tenure in the MLB.

A former player and manager who was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame.