THE ANGELS CHASE OCTOBER AGAIN
By Mark Cohen
“…fly ball center field. Erstad says he’s got it. Erstad makes the catch. The Anaheim Angels are the champions of baseball!”
That was part of the call by the late, great Angels announcer, Rory Marcus, describing the final out of the 2002 World Series, when the Angels captured the championship.
That title remains the crowning achievement for a franchise with a long history of success. Gene Autry founded the Angels in 1961. Since then, the team has won nine Western Division titles and produced four Most Valuable Player winners: Don Baylor, Vladimir Guerrero, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.
Several Angels players have gone on to the Baseball Hall of Fame, including Nolan Ryan, Reggie Jackson, Vladimir Guerrero and Rod Carew.
Angel Stadium, the team’s longtime home, opened in 1966. The upcoming season marks the Angels’ 61st year at “The Big A.” The club plays 81 regular-season home games each year and has drawn more than 3 million fans in multiple seasons. More than 125 million fans have attended games at Angel Stadium, which has also hosted three All-Star Games.
The Angels are known for their family friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, a reputation that begins with the stadium staff, who have a reputation for being helpful and welcoming. Visiting fans often remark on the warm environment throughout the ballpark.
That community spirit extends beyond the stadium and into Orange County. Players regularly participate in outreach efforts, including hospital visits and the Adopt-A-School program. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe, a fan favorite, is known for visiting young patients, while Trout serves as an MLB mental health awareness ambassador. The Angels also support the Miracle League of Orange County, a nonprofit serving children with developmental and physical challenges.
Inside the stadium, community engagement continues with events such as Little League Days, when young players parade around the field before first pitch.
The Angels also enjoy a loyal fan base, with many supporters sharing their passion on social media. One of the team’s most recognizable super fans is Julie Fraley, often seen in costume at games. Known as the Rally Monkey girl, Fraley said her stepfather introduced her to baseball.
“I fell in love with the sport,” she said.
The Angels are hoping to return to winning baseball in 2026 after finishing 72-90 last season.
Those hopes begin with new manager Kurt Suzuki, who takes over this year. Suzuki played 16 seasons in the majors and helped lead Cal State Fullerton to a College World Series title in 2004.
In an interview on AM 830, Suzuki outlined his goals.
“Our goal is to win the last game of the season and win a World Series,” he said, adding that he plans to be “a tireless worker.”
Any discussion of the Angels begins with Trout, the team’s superstar and potential Hall of Famer. Trout hit 26 home runs in 130 games in 2025.
“He’s a phenomenal talent,” Suzuki said on AM 830. “I’ll put Mike Trout where he needs to be.”
Other everyday players expected to play key roles in 2026 include O’Hoppe and infielder Zach Neto.
“O’Hoppe is a special talent,” Suzuki said. “It’s our job to get the best out of him.”
The Angels also hope for strong performances from Neto (.257 batting average with 26 home runs in 2025), Nolan Schanuel and Jo Adell. On the mound, the team is counting on contributions from Yusei Kikuchi, José Soriano and Reid Detmers, along with Caden Dana and Grayson Rodriguez.
Angels fans remain devoted, whether cheering at Angel Stadium or watching from home. The hope is for a team that can contend and return to the playoffs.
“I’m going to do everything I can to get these boys ready to play on a daily basis,” Suzuki said.
The Angels open the regular season March 26 at Houston. The home opener is April 3 against Seattle. More information is available at angels.com and on the team’s social media channels.
(Photos provided by Los Angeles Angels)
Mike Trout and Zach Neto stand for the National Anthem on June 9, 2025.