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Angel Stadium has been home to countless baseball games and brought smiles to fans since it opened in 1966. It's been through many changes, including name changes, hosted historical games, and been there for players' successes.
Angel Stadium History
Angel Stadium originally opened in 1966 under the name Anaheim Stadium. The team was then known as the California Angels.
World Famous Players
Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan threw two of his seven no-hitters at Angel Stadium. In addition, Nolan Ryan accomplished 2,416 of his career strikeouts with the Angels.
Mickey Mantle played his last game-winning home run at Angel Stadium, and Reggie Jackson celebrated his 500th career home run here. In addition, Rod Carew and George Brett hit their 3,000th career base hits here. Home runs are a popular pastime at Angels Stadium; Don Sutton had his 300th career win, and Albert Pujols celebrated his 600th home run at Angel Stadium.
Famous Games
The Angel Stadium hosted the 1967 MLB All-Star Game. This game at Angels Stadium was the first All-Star Game to be aired on prime-time television and the first All-Star Game held at night since World War II.
The Angel Stadium hosted seven American League Division Series and six American League Championship Series. In addition, it hosted the 2002 World Series, which the Angels won against the San Francisco Giants.
The longest game ever played at the stadium lasted 6 hours and 31 minutes. After that marathon, the Angels won 5-4 against the Boston Red Sox.
The Cowboy
Gene Autry was a legendary singer and actor known as The Singing Cowboy. He also loved baseball and was the original owner of the Angels. Autry's baseball number was 26. Fans knew him as the team's 26th player. The number was retired in 1982. A common refrain heard in Angel's stadium is "Win one for the Cowboy."
The Big A
The Big A is a name fans gave to Angel Stadium. Bud Furillo, the Herald Examiner Sports Editor, is credited with coining this phrase. An A-frame spire that housed Angel's Stadium sign is the reason for the name, The Big A. The January 17, 1994 earthquake damaged the stadium. They took down the A-frame from its original location to accommodate the re-build. Now, the Angel's iconic A-frame sign is visible from the freeway.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams moved into Angel Stadium in 1980 after the stadium added bleachers. They played here until 1994.
Disney's Involvement
Disney had been a minority owner since the team's founding. In 1996, they took more control of the team. Disney led a renovation of the stadium and returned the stadium to baseball-only use. Renovations included outfield bleacher pavilions and a new video display board. They painted the exterior. They also tore down parts of the external facade.
Disney added a California Spectacular during the renovation. After every home run and every win, fireworks shoot out of this impressive display. The California Spectacular features geysers that erupt and a stream that runs down Pride Rock mountainside, covered with real trees and artificial rocks.
Edison International Field of Anaheim
In 1998, utility company Edison International made a deal for naming rights to the stadium. As a result, the stadium became known as the Edison International Field of Anaheim. In late 2003, Edison exited the deal, and the stadium became Angel Stadium. At the same time, Disney sold the Angels team.
Enjoy Fun and Games in Anaheim
Anaheim is home to so many wonderful attractions, including Angel Stadium and Disneyland. If you're on the run from one activity to the next, check out this list of places for coffee near Disneyland.
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