It was not easy to bring the American League in Los Angeles. The concept started in the early 1940s. However, it did not become a reality until 1961. It was when LA had official representation in the league.

What were the challenges?

You are probably wondering what took it so long for the American League to get to Los Angeles. One reason was the disapproval of the appeal of the St. Louis Browns to transfer to Los Angeles. Although their attempt in 1942 had a positive response, it did not push through because of the Pearl Harbor Bombing. It was also impossible for the Browns to transfer to Los Angeles when they planned to in 1954. That is because Baltimore bought the team.
Finally, a franchise talk took place. This happened after the National League and American League joined forces to prevent the Continental League from pushing through. Both leagues agreed to add new franchises to their respective leagues. The American League named the Los Angeles as their grantee.

Getting organized

Organizing the team was tough. It took a while before they found a team owner because of issues on competition. Although it was not the intention of Gene Autry to bid ownership, he ends up doing so. He then purchased the franchise.

It was easy for him to find a name for the team. However, it did not come free. He needed to pay the former owner of the name, Walter O'Malley $300,000.00 for it. After that, the Los Angeles Angels was officially his.

The evolution of its name

Although Autry went all through those troubles to earn rights over the name, it did not stay that way forever. The Angels changed its name for a couple of times for various reasons. In 1965, they adopted the name, California Angels. This is to make it known that they are a California baseball team under the wings of the American League. This began when team owner Autry attempted to find a home for his team, which he found in Orange County. It also changed to Anaheim Angels, when Disney took ownership.
It again changed its name to Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2005 because Arte Moreno, the new team owner wanted LA to appear on their name.

Their first year

The team is off to a good start. Up to date, they still hold the highest winning percentage of a new expansion team in its first year, 1961.

Although it may seem like a pretty first year, it was tough to get there. The team went through tough times just finding a home. It all started when the team had no choice but to debut in 1961. They were set to play in 1962. Because of the decision, they played in the stadium the PCL LA Angels used. This did not stop the Los Angeles Angels from winning their very first game.

There first few years were colorful. In 1962, they remarkably finish at third. They had a disappointing 1963 but came back strong in 1964. Their pitcher, Dean Chance, even won the Cy Young Award.