Fifty-nine years ago today, the Angels played their first game in franchise history, defeating the Baltimore Orioles, 7-2 in front of 37,352 fans at Memorial Stadium.
Having established themselves as a Major League team, the Los Angeles Angels embarked on their inaugural season in the American League in 1961. The team name, Los Angeles Angels, purchased by owner Gene Autry from the rights owners of the Pacific Coast League team that previously played under the moniker.
The Angels were one of two expansion teams established in 1961, along with the Washington Senators (who are now the Texas Rangers).