The History of and Story Behind the Los Angeles Angels Logo

They might be called the Los Angeles Angels today, but that has not always been the case. This is one baseball team that has always called the Anaheim area of Los Angeles home, yet they have undergone numerous name changes through the years. That has resulted in a new logo every time, each one with a unique story to tell. In fact, the Angels have had 10 different logos in just over 50 years of their existence. Here is a brief history of the changes that have come about through the years.

Los Angeles Angels From 1961-1964

This was the first ever logo for the team. It features a baseball in the middle with red seams, combined with wings and a halo over the top. This is all situated on top of a baseball diamond that is a light green color. The iconic red ‘L’ and “A’ are placed over the baseball.

California Angels From 1965-1970

A name change brought about a slight modification of the logo for the next five seasons. The baseball diamond was a darker green, while the baseball and wings remained unchanged. Instead of the L and A, there was now a red, interlocking CA on the baseball itself.

California Angels from 1971-1972

For one season, the logo changed radically to become a picture of the map of California. The word angels was written in a diagonal fashion down the length of the state, all in lowercase letters. The yellow halo was at the top right corner.

California Angels from 1973-1985

The team decided to modify that state logo after just one season. It made the A in Angels uppercase. The star representing the location of Anaheim changed from yellow to red. The halo was still yellow and hung in the same spot.

California Angels From 1986-1992

While the team name would remain the same, the logo got a complete makeover for the 1986 season. The centerpiece was a baseball with one red seam. The state map was a blue shadow in the background, with a large red ‘A’ over the top. The iconic yellow halo was still there and hung over the A.

California Angels From 1993-1994

Here the logo changed yet again for only one season. In 1992, the team removed the Big A from their parking lot. As a result, they changed their logo back to having a red, interlocking CA. The halo changed color to silver, still hanging over the A. All of this was over a blue background in the shape of a circle.

California Angels From 1995-1996

For this one season, the team opted to do away with the blue circle and silver trim. It kept the red, interlocking CA letters and made them bigger. There is a subtle white background to both of the letters. The silver halo still hangs over the A.

Anaheim Angels From 1997-2001

A name change to Anaheim, signifying its Disney roots, shifted the logo in yet another direction. The halo was removed altogether and replaced with a wing on the left side, followed by ANGELS in all red. This was all placed over a light blue home plate with crossed bats underneath. The logo is actually taken from the film produced by Disney called Angels in the Outfield.

Anaheim Angels From 2002-2004

Disney made a shift back to another logo that included a big red A with a silver halo once again. This was all placed over a dark blue baseball diamond. Arching over the top were the worlds Anaheim Angels.

Los Angeles Angels From 2005 to Present

The team has since changed its name back to the Los Angeles Angels. This resulted in the logo that the team currently has in place. It is quite simple, with a large red A, outlined in a dark blue. The font is quite different, being Bruce Double Pica, and is designed to be two-toned. There is a silver halo over the top, complete with a blue background.

Which is your favorite version of the logo? It is interesting to read about the progression of this team based simply on the different logos that it has branded through the years. Who knows what the future holds and how many more logos will be introduced.