Anaheim Mayor Urges Angels to Reclaim Team’s City Identity

Anaheim, Calif. – Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken has penned an open letter to Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno, urging a rebranding of the team to embrace its true home city. The call for change comes amid ongoing discussions about the team’s future in Anaheim, coinciding with the Angels’ 2025 home opener.

In her letter, Aitken asked Moreno to consider acknowledging Anaheim’s significant contributions to Orange County by prominently featuring the city’s name within the team’s identity. “I want to change that for the better,” Aitken stated, referring to the lack of communication between city officials and Angels management.

The mayor’s plea follows years of uncertainty regarding baseball’s future in Anaheim, where the Angels have played in Angel Stadium since 1966. Aitken expressed frustration over the team’s vague statements about its status, seeking a more transparent relationship and better oversight of the stadium, which is owned by the city.

“We need an open and honest conversation about the future of baseball in Anaheim,” Aitken wrote, emphasizing her desire for regular updates and community engagement. In her letter, she also suggested an agreement to include local workers for any future staffing needs and investments into city projects benefiting residents.

The Angels’ management acknowledged the mayor’s correspondence, stating, “We appreciate Mayor Aitken’s letter and the desire to strengthen the relationship between the city and Angels Baseball.” The team’s recent commitment sees them continuing to play at Angel Stadium through an extended lease valid until 2032, with an option to extend to 2038.

Despite these assurances, frustrations persist among fans. Under the current branding, many feel a disconnect as the team is referred to as the Los Angeles Angels, overshadowed by the nearby Los Angeles Dodgers, recent World Series champions.

Over the past decade, the Angels have garnered multiple American League MVP Awards, yet have failed to reach the playoffs, marking a stark contrast to the organization’s storied history. As Aitken advocates for a return to the name ‘Anaheim Angels,’ she hopes to unify fans and reinvigorate the local baseball community.

With the excitement of the 2025 season’s home opener approaching, Aitken’s letter serves as an appeal not just for a rebranding, but for stronger ties between the city and the team that, for many, embodies their hometown pride.