Angels–Athletics rivalry
Los Angeles Angels
Oakland Athletics
LocationCalifornia
First meetingApril 30, 1961
Wrigley Field
Angels 6, Athletics 4
Latest meetingOctober 1, 2023
Angel Stadium
Angels 7, Athletics 3
Next meetingJune 24, 2024
Angel Stadium
Statistics
Meetings total1,019
Most winsAthletics
Regular season seriesAthletics, 533–486 (.523)
Postseason resultsN/A
Largest victoryAthletics: 21–3 (2018)
Angels: 18–2 (1964)
Longest win streak
  • Angels: 12 (1996–1997)
  • Athletics: 10 (1974, 1991–1992)
Current win streakAngels, 1
Post-season history

The Angels–Athletics rivalry is a Major League Baseball (MLB) divisional rivalry played between the Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics. Both teams compete as member clubs of the American League (AL) West division, and both teams have grown a steady rivalry since the Athletics' relocation to California and to the AL West in 1968.[1] Though not as intense as the Dodgers–Giants rivalry equivalent in the National League (NL) West; the A's and Angels have often battled for the division title on numerous occasions, with the added animosity between Northern and Southern California fueling the matchups.[2][3][4][5][6] Despite this; the Athletics' relocation to Las Vegas possibly for the 2025 season likely wouldn't exclude geography as a factor, as Las Vegas is closer in proximity to Southern California.[7] The Athletics lead the series 533–486, and the two teams have yet to meet in the postseason.[8]

Background

The Angels joined the American in 1961 as an expansion team. The Athletics relocated to Oakland in 1968 after owner Charlie Finley endured much difficulty in securing a new ballpark in Kansas City, though Kansas City would later be granted an expansion franchise in 1969 known today as the Royals. The Athletics were one of the oldest franchises in league history, having joined the MLB in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics. Both teams struggled mightily through the 1960s as both encountered mediocre play, however; the Athletics began to quickly emerge as postseason titans, winning three straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974. The Angels found a brief moment of postseason success as they reached the playoffs for the first time in 1979. The A's continued to stay competitive through the 1980s as they managed three appearances across the decade in the ALCS, even managing to win yet another World Series in 1989. The Angels would also manage two appearances in the ALCS in 1982 and 1986, but lost both times.

Both teams dealt with long term issues stemming from multiple mediocre seasons in which either team made the postseason, however; the rivalry began to have more implications within the division as the A's bolstered a younger lineup of future stars known famously as the "Moneyball" team. [9] The Angels finished the 2002 season as runner-ups in the division, snagging a wild card berth; while the Athletics managed a record-setting 20 game win streak near the end of the season. Much to the shock of sportswriters and fans alike, the A's fell in the ALDS to the Minnesota Twins, while the Angels pushed onto win the World Series in an improbable playoff run.[10] During the 2004 season, both teams came down to the wire tied for wins headed into the final series of the season, with the last three games being played in Oakland.[11] Both teams were battling to secure the division title, however; Oakland fell in two crushing losses to the Angels with only one victory in the series coming in the final game of the year. Oakland would find themselves eliminated from the playoff hunt, though the Angels would go on to suffer a crushing sweep at the hands of the eventual champion Boston Red Sox.

As of 2023, both teams have yet to meet in the postseason.[12] The animosity waned yet again during the decade as both teams struggled mightily in either playoff contention or maintaining a winning record. Tension began to resurface between both teams in 2023, when Angels' third baseman Anthony Rendon received a four-game suspension following an altercation with an Athletics fan during the season opener series in Oakland.[13][14] The fan reportedly taunted Rendon for his injuries and play. In retaliation; Rendon attempted to rip the fan's shirt and was subsequently removed from the stadium and given a 4 game suspension. He was also fined an undisclosed amount.[15][16][17]

Season-by-season results

Angels vs. Athletics Season-by-Season Results
1960s (Angels, 88–74)
SeasonSeason seriesat Los Angeles/California Angelsat Kansas City/Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
1961 Tie 9–9 Angels, 6–3 Athletics, 6–3 Tie
9–9
1962 Angels 12–6 Angels, 6–3 Angels, 6–3 Angels
21–15
1963 Athletics 10–8 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 5–4 Angels
29–25
1964 Angels 12–6 Angels, 5–4 Angels, 7–2 Angels
41–31
1965 Angels 13–5 Angels, 6–3 Angels, 7–2 Angels
54–36		 Angels rename to "California Angels" with a month of the season remaining
1966 Tie 9–9 Angels, 6–3 Athletics, 6–3 Angels
63–45		 Angels relocate to Anaheim and open Anaheim Stadium
1967 Angels 14–4 Angels, 9–0 Angels, 5–4 Angels
77–49
1968 Athletics 13–5 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics, 7–2 Angels
82–62		 Athletics relocate to Oakland and play at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum as the "Oakland Athletics"
1969 Athletics 12–6 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 7–2 Angels
88–74
1970s (Athletics, 97–72)
SeasonSeason seriesat California Angelsat Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
1970 Athletics 10–8 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 5–4 Angels
96–84		 Angels pitcher Clyde Wright threw a no-hitter against the Athletics.
1971 Athletics 11–7 Athletics, 7–2 Angels, 5–4 Angels
103–95
1972 Athletics 10–8 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 5–4 Angels
111–105		 Athletics win 1972 World Series
1973 Athletics 12–6 Athletics, 7–2 Athletics, 5–4 Tie
117–117		 Athletics win 1973 World Series
1974 Athletics 12–6 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 7–2 Athletics
129–123		 Athletics win 1974 World Series
Athletics take a 121–120 lead on June 24 in the series, a lead they would never relinquish.
1975 Athletics 11–7 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics
140–130
1976 Athletics 12–6 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics
152–136
1977 Athletics 10–5 Tie, 4–4 Athletics, 6–1 Athletics
162–141		 AL expansion reduces season series to 15 meetings per year. Athletics win ten straight season series.
1978 Angels 9–6 Angels, 4–3 Angels, 5–3 Athletics
168–150
1979 Angels 10–3 Angels, 5–2 Angels, 5–1 Athletics
171–160
1980s (Athletics, 70–57)
SeasonSeason seriesat California Angelsat Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
1980 Athletics 10–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics, 6–1 Athletics
181–163
1981 Athletics 8–2 Athletics, 4–0 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
189–165		 Strike-shortened season
1982 Angels 9–4 Angels, 5–1 Angels, 4–3 Athletics
193–174
1983 Athletics 8–5 Athletics, 4–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
201–179
1984 Angels 7–6 Athletics, 4–2 Angels, 5–2 Athletics
207–186
1985 Athletics 7–6 Angels, 4–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
214–192
1986 Angels 10–3 Angels, 5–1 Angels, 5–2 Athletics
217–202
1987 Athletics 7–6 Athletics, 5–2 Angels, 4–2 Athletics
224–208
1988 Athletics 9–4 Tie, 3–3 Athletics, 6–1 Athletics
233–212		 Athletics lose 1988 World Series
1989 Athletics 8–5 Athletics, 4–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
241–217		 Athletics win 1989 World Series
1990s (Athletics, 68–55)
SeasonSeason seriesat California/Anaheim Angelsat Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
1990 Athletics 9–4 Athletics, 5–1 Athletics, 4–3 Athletics
250–221		 Athletics lose 1990 World Series
1991 Athletics 12–1 Athletics, 6–1 Athletics, 6–0 Athletics
262–222
1992 Athletics 8–5 Tie, 3–3 Athletics, 5–2 Athletics
270–227
1993 Athletics 7–6 Angels, 4–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
277–233
1994 Athletics 6–3 Tie, 3–3 Athletics, 3–0 Athletics
283–236		 Strike-shortened season. Strike cancels postseason.
1995 Athletics 7–6 Angels, 5–2 Athletics, 5–1 Athletics
290–242
1996 Athletics 7–6 Athletics, 4–2 Angels, 4–3 Athletics
297–248		 Athletics win ten straight season series.
1997 Angels 11–1 Angels, 5–1 Angels, 6–0 Athletics
298–259		 Angels rename to "Anaheim Angels." Angels win 12 straight meetings and 7 straight away meetings (1996–97)
1998 Athletics 7–5 Tie, 3–3 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
305–264
1999 Angels 8–4 Angels, 5–1 Tie, 3–3 Athletics
309–272
2000s (Athletics, 97–90)
SeasonSeason seriesat Anaheim Angels/
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim		at Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
2000 Athletics 8–5 Tie, 3–3 Athletics, 5–2 Athletics
317–277
2001 Athletics 14–6 Athletics, 7–3 Athletics, 7–3 Athletics
331–283		 MLB changed to an unbalanced schedule in 2001, resulting in 19-20 meetings per year
2002 Athletics 11–9 Angels, 6–4 Athletics, 7–3 Athletics
342–292		 First season in which both teams qualify for playoffs. Angels win 2002 World Series
2003 Athletics 12–8 Tie, 5–5 Athletics, 7–3 Athletics
354–300
2004 Angels 10–9 Tie, 5–5 Angels, 5–4 Athletics
363–310		 Teams meet in the final series of the season in Oakland tied for first place in the AL West; Angels win two of three games to win the division.
2005 Angels 10–9 Angels, 5–4 Tie, 5–5 Athletics
372–320		 Angels rename to "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim"
2006 Angels 11–8 Athletics, 5–4 Angels, 7–3 Athletics
380–331		 John Lackey/Jason Kendall brawl
2007 Athletics 10–9 Tie, 5–5 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics
390–340
2008 Angels 10–9 Tie, 5–5 Angels, 5–4 Athletics
399–350
2009 Angels 12–7 Athletics, 6–4 Angels, 8–1 Athletics
406–362
2010s (Angels, 97–93)
SeasonSeason seriesat Los Angeles Angels (of Anaheim)at Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
2010 Angels 11–8 Angels, 7–2 Athletics, 6–4 Athletics
414–373
2011 Athletics 11–8 Tie, 5–5 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics
425–381
2012 Athletics 10–9 Athletics, 7–3 Angels, 6–3 Athletics
435–390
2013 Athletics 11–8 Athletics, 5–4 Athletics, 6–4 Athletics
446–398		 On April 29, the teams played a 19-ining game that lasted 6 hours, 32 minutes, the longest game by time in Athletics history. The Athletics won the game on a Brandon Moss walk-off home run.[18]
2014 Angels 10–9 Angels, 7–3 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics
455–408
2015 Angels 11–8 Angels, 6–4 Angels, 5–4 Athletics
463–419
2016 Angels 12–7 Angels, 6–4 Angels, 6–3 Athletics
470–431		 Angels name reverts to "Los Angeles Angels"
2017 Angels 12–7 Angels, 7–2 Tie, 5–5 Athletics
477–443
2018 Angels 10–9 Angels, 5–4 Tie, 5–5 Athletics
486–453
2019 Athletics 13–6 Athletics, 6–3 Athletics, 7–3 Athletics
499–459
2020s (Athletics, 34–27)
SeasonSeason seriesat Los Angeles Angelsat Oakland AthleticsOverall seriesNotes
2020 Athletics 6–4 Angels, 2–1 Athletics, 5–2 Athletics
505–463		 Season shortened to 60 games (with 10 meetings) due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 Athletics 15–4 Athletics, 8–2 Athletics, 7–2 Athletics
520–467
2022 Angels 12–7 Angels, 6–3 Angels, 6–4 Athletics
527–479
2023 Angels 7–6 Angels, 5–2 Athletics, 4–2 Athletics
533–486		 Schedule structure modified this season to allow every team to play one series against every interleague team. Shortening meetings from 19 to 13 games.
Summary of Results
SeasonSeason seriesat Los Angeles Angelsat Oakland AthleticsNotes
Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City Athletics Angels 77–49 Angels, 42–21 Angels, 35–28
Los Angeles Angels vs Oakland Athletics Athletics 484–409 Athletics, 229–217 Athletics, 255–192
Overall Regular season games Athletics 533–486 Angels, 259–250 Athletics, 283–227

See also

References

Inline citations
  1. ↑ "A's-Angels rivalry better than you think".
  2. ↑ "Oakland A's, LA Angels: The Fight For The West".
  3. ↑ "Who are the Oakland A's biggest AL rivals?".
  4. ↑ "A's-Angels rivalry 30 years in making / After decades, rivalry is heated".
  5. ↑ "Angels-Athletics is becoming a real rivalry".
  6. ↑ "A's vs. Angels: The Rivalry That Should Be (And Eventually Will)".
  7. ↑ Hawkins, Stephen; Bloom, Ronald (November 16, 2023). "MLB owners unanimously approve Oakland A's move to Las Vegas". Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Angels bring 2-1 series advantage over Athletics into game 4".
  9. ↑ "A's-Angels Rivalry?".
  10. ↑ "Who Are The Angels' rivals?".
  11. ↑ "Angels-Athletics is becoming a real rivalry".
  12. ↑ "The State of the (other) Los Angeles Baseball Rivalry".
  13. ↑ "Oakland Athletics Make Team History on Monday vs. Los Angeles Angels".
  14. ↑ "Shohei Ohtani, Angels Tie MLB Record with 7 HRs in Loss vs. Athletics".
  15. ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (April 3, 2023). "Rendon suspended 4 games for fan altercation". ESPN.
  16. ↑ "Angels overcome Ohtani's rough inning for 8-7 win over A's".
  17. ↑ "Anthony Rendon has suspension for fan incident in Oakland reduced to four games".
  18. ↑ Today in Oakland A's history (4/29): Longest game in Oakland history ends in Brandon Moss walk-off
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