Freeway Series
Encyclopedia
The term Freeway Series refers to a series of baseball
games played between Major League Baseball's
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
of the American League
and the Los Angeles Dodgers
of the National League
. The series takes its name from the massive freeway system in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area
, the home of both teams; one could travel from one team's stadium to the other simply by traveling along Interstate 5
. The term is akin to Subway Series
which refers to meetings between New York City
baseball teams. The term "Freeway Series" also inspired the official name of the regions' NHL
rivalry: the Freeway Face-Off
.
, at the time the spring training
home of the Angels. The first pre-season series was played at Dodger Stadium
, at the time the home ballpark of both teams April 6–7, 1963. The Angels won both of the two games played. After the Angels added Los Angeles to their official name in 2005, the rivalry took on renewed interest, as the series took on a more inter-city atmosphere.
Throughout the 2005 season, Dodger Stadium listed the Angels as ANA on its out-of-town scoreboard and team schedules, as it was prior to Angels' name change. However, the Dodgers now post "LAA" on both their scoreboard and schedules. Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully
refers to the team as just the Angels when mentioning them on the air. Dodgers tickets still refer to the Angels as the "Anaheim Angels." Interestingly, as of the 2011 season, the Angels' out-of-town scoreboard in right field still lists the Dodgers by their pre-2005 LA abbreviation instead of LAD.
Regular- and post-season games between the two teams take place at either Angel Stadium of Anaheim
or Dodger Stadium
. The two stadiums are located approximately 30.92 miles apart.
At one point, both teams were owned by major media conglomerates: the Angels had been owned by the Walt Disney Company
, and the Dodgers were owned by News Corporation
(both companies each own 1 of the MLB broadcast partners). Both teams have been sold in recent years.
During the 2002 World Series
, there was a moment of peace in the rivalry as a result of the nightmares the Dodgers and their fans were facing because the Angels played the San Francisco Giants
, the fierce in-state rivals of the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Times called the series "the Dodgers' 'Nightmare Series.'" The New York Post called it "the worst-scenario World Series for the Dodgers." The San Francisco Chronicle called the series "a Dodger fan's worst nightmare." The Dodgers and their fans, including Chairman Bob Daly
and former manager Tommy Lasorda
, rooted for the eventual champions and attended their games in Anaheim. Lasorda was at Game 2 and stood behind the batting cage and said that he's a big fan of Angels manager Mike Scioscia
. Daly attended Game 7 and sat near the Angels dugout, as a fan of late Angels owner Gene Autry
. This series was the Angels first championship, while the Dodgers' last title came in the 1988 World Series
.
Vladimir
and Wilton Guerrero
Orlando
and Jolbert Cabrera
Maicer
and Cesar Izturis
*
Erick
and Willy Aybar
*
Jered
and Jeff Weaver
*
Some members of the Angels coaching staff played for the Dodgers. They include:
In addition to Scioscia, the following Angels managers played for the Dodgers:
Additionally, retired Dodgers manager Joe Torre
(2008–2010) was a broadcaster for the Angels from 1985–1990
Scioscia is the only person to have won three World Series with both teams (Dodgers in and and Angels in ). He led the effort in making the 2002 World Series a moment of peace in the rivalry.
have never met in the postseason. To meet in the postseason would require that they both advance to the World Series
in the same year. To date, the two teams have made the playoffs in the same year three times, 2004, 2008 and 2009. In 2004, both teams lost in the Division Series, whereas in 2008 the Angels lost to the Boston Red Sox, 3 games to 1 while the Dodgers swept the Chicago Cubs in 3 games only to lose to the eventual champion
Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games in the NLCS. In the 2009 playoffs, both teams advanced to their respective League Championship Series
, which each team needed to win for there to be a freeway World Series. However, the Dodgers lost game 5 of the NLCS to the defending champion Phillies, and the Angels lost the ALCS in six games to the eventual champion
New York Yankees
. The Dodgers' losses to the Phillies seemed to be a sense of revenge; they beat the Phillies in two straight NLCS Series, in 1977
and 1978
. Both times, they lost to the Yankees in the World Series.
The Angels' only World Series appearance came in their championship season of , while the Dodgers' last one came in their championship season of .
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
games played between Major League Baseball's
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
of the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
and the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
of the National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
. The series takes its name from the massive freeway system in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area
Greater Los Angeles Area
The Greater Los Angeles Area, or the Southland, is a term used for the Combined Statistical Area sprawled over five counties in the southern part of California, namely Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Ventura County...
, the home of both teams; one could travel from one team's stadium to the other simply by traveling along Interstate 5
Interstate 5
Interstate 5 is the main Interstate Highway on the West Coast of the United States, running largely parallel to the Pacific Ocean coastline from Canada to Mexico . It serves some of the largest cities on the U.S...
. The term is akin to Subway Series
Subway Series
The Subway Series is a series of Major League Baseball games played between teams based in New York City. The term's historic usage has been in reference to World Series games played between New York teams...
which refers to meetings between New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
baseball teams. The term "Freeway Series" also inspired the official name of the regions' NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
rivalry: the Freeway Face-Off
Freeway Face-Off
The term Freeway Face-off refers to a series of hockey games played between the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, both of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference...
.
History
The first exhibition game between the two clubs (won by the Angels) was played in 1962 in Palm SpringsPalm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert city in Riverside County, California, within the Coachella Valley. It is located approximately 37 miles east of San Bernardino, 111 miles east of Los Angeles and 136 miles northeast of San Diego...
, at the time the spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
home of the Angels. The first pre-season series was played at Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
, at the time the home ballpark of both teams April 6–7, 1963. The Angels won both of the two games played. After the Angels added Los Angeles to their official name in 2005, the rivalry took on renewed interest, as the series took on a more inter-city atmosphere.
Throughout the 2005 season, Dodger Stadium listed the Angels as ANA on its out-of-town scoreboard and team schedules, as it was prior to Angels' name change. However, the Dodgers now post "LAA" on both their scoreboard and schedules. Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully
Vin Scully
Vincent Edward Scully is an American sportscaster, known primarily as the play-by-play voice of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team on Prime Ticket, KCAL-TV and KABC radio...
refers to the team as just the Angels when mentioning them on the air. Dodgers tickets still refer to the Angels as the "Anaheim Angels." Interestingly, as of the 2011 season, the Angels' out-of-town scoreboard in right field still lists the Dodgers by their pre-2005 LA abbreviation instead of LAD.
Regular- and post-season games between the two teams take place at either Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a modern-style ballpark located in Anaheim, California. It is the home ballpark to Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of the American League, and was previously home to the NFL's Los Angeles Rams...
or Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium, also sometimes called Chavez Ravine, is a stadium in Los Angeles. Located adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium has been the home ballpark of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers team since 1962...
. The two stadiums are located approximately 30.92 miles apart.
At one point, both teams were owned by major media conglomerates: the Angels had been owned by the Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world in terms of revenue. Founded on October 16, 1923, by Walt and Roy Disney as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, Walt Disney Productions established itself as a leader in the American animation industry before diversifying into...
, and the Dodgers were owned by News Corporation
News Corporation
News Corporation or News Corp. is an American multinational media conglomerate. It is the world's second-largest media conglomerate as of 2011 in terms of revenue, and the world's third largest in entertainment as of 2009, although the BBC remains the world's largest broadcaster...
(both companies each own 1 of the MLB broadcast partners). Both teams have been sold in recent years.
During the 2002 World Series
2002 World Series
The 2002 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff series to determine the champion of Major League Baseball for the 2002 season. It was the 98th such contest between the champions of the American League and National League , and featured the AL champion Anaheim Angels against the NL champion San...
, there was a moment of peace in the rivalry as a result of the nightmares the Dodgers and their fans were facing because the Angels played the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, the fierce in-state rivals of the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Times called the series "the Dodgers' 'Nightmare Series.'" The New York Post called it "the worst-scenario World Series for the Dodgers." The San Francisco Chronicle called the series "a Dodger fan's worst nightmare." The Dodgers and their fans, including Chairman Bob Daly
Robert A. Daly
Robert A. Daly is an American business executive who has led organizations such as CBS Entertainment, Warner Bros., Warner Music Group, and the Los Angeles Dodgers....
and former manager Tommy Lasorda
Tommy Lasorda
Thomas Charles Lasorda is a former Major League baseball player and manager. marked his sixth decade in one capacity or another with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers organization, the longest non-continuous tenure anyone has had with the team, edging Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully...
, rooted for the eventual champions and attended their games in Anaheim. Lasorda was at Game 2 and stood behind the batting cage and said that he's a big fan of Angels manager Mike Scioscia
Mike Scioscia
Michael Lorri Scioscia is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has worked in that capacity since the 2000 season, and is the longest-tenured manager in Major League Baseball....
. Daly attended Game 7 and sat near the Angels dugout, as a fan of late Angels owner Gene Autry
Gene Autry
Orvon Grover Autry , better known as Gene Autry, was an American performer who gained fame as The Singing Cowboy on the radio, in movies and on television for more than three decades beginning in the 1930s...
. This series was the Angels first championship, while the Dodgers' last title came in the 1988 World Series
1988 World Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 15, 1988 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaBecause of using ace Orel Hershiser in Game 7 of the NLCS, the Dodgers had to open with rookie Tim Belcher in Game 1. Meanwhile, Oakland sent a well-rested Dave Stewart to the mound. Both pitchers, however, would have...
.
Common players
Bold face indicate World Series won with both teams. These people helped make the 2002 World Series a moment of peace in the rivalry.Brothers
There have been different sets of brothers who have currently played for either one of both of these franchises. They include:Vladimir
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
and Wilton Guerrero
Wilton Guerrero
Wilton Alvaro Guerrero is a former second baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Montreal Expos , Cincinnati Reds , and Kansas City Royals ....
Orlando
Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Luis Cabrera, nicknamed "O-Cab" and "The OC", is a Colombian-American baseball infielder.He won a World Series championship in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. He has played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins,...
and Jolbert Cabrera
Jolbert Cabrera
Jolbert Alexis Cabrera [HOLE-bert kah-BRER-rah] is a Major League Baseball Utility player who is currently playing in the Mexican League. Cabrera played with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks in Japan's Pacific League for two years...
Maicer
Maicer Izturis
Maicer Eduardo Izturis is a Major League Baseball third baseman, second baseman, and shortstop for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is a switch-hitter and throws right-handed...
and Cesar Izturis
César Izturis
César David Izturis is a Major League Baseball shortstop who is currently a free agent. He is the half-brother of shortstop Maicer Izturis, who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Julio Izturis, who plays in the minor leagues in the San Francisco Giants organization.Izturis' greatest...
*
* Maicer and Cesar Izturis were half-brothers. They played against each other during the 2006 season2006 Major League Baseball seasonIn , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
.
Erick
Erick Aybar
Erick Johan Aybar is a Major League Baseball shortstop with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Dominican Republic:Aybar has also previously played in the Dominican Republic...
and Willy Aybar
Willy Aybar
Willy Del Jesus Aybar is an infielder who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions in the North American League. Aybar has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays...
*
* Erick and Willy Aybar played against each other during the 2006 season2006 Major League Baseball seasonIn , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
.
Jered
Jered Weaver
Jered David Weaver , is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim...
and Jeff Weaver
Jeff Weaver
Jeffrey Charles Weaver is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has pitched in the majors for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, St. Louis Cardinals, and Seattle Mariners...
*
* Jered and Jeff Weaver both played for the Angels during the 2006 season2006 Major League Baseball seasonIn , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine...
. Jeff Weaver played for the Dodgers during the 20042004 Major League Baseball season* Playoff MVPs** Manny Ramírez ** David Ortiz ** Albert Pujols * All-Star Game, July 13 at Minute Maid Park: American League, 9-4; Alfonso Soriano, MVP-References:* *...
, 20052005 Major League Baseball seasonClick on any series score to link to that series' page.Higher seed had home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.The American League champion had home field advantage during the World Series as a result of the AL victory in the 2005 All-Star...
, 20092009 Major League Baseball seasonThe 2009 Major League Baseball season began on Sunday, April 5, 2009 with the Atlanta Braves defeating the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies 4–1. The regular season ended on October 6, extended two days for a one-game playoff between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins to...
, and 20102010 Major League Baseball seasonThe 2010 Major League Baseball season began Sunday, April 4, when the Boston Red Sox defeated their long-time rivals, the 2009 World Series champion New York Yankees at Fenway Park, 9–7; the regular season ended on October 3. The 2010 All-Star Game was played on July 13 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim...
seasons. On June 20, 2009, they pitched against each other, in the eighth matchup between a set of brothers in Major League history. Jeff won, in a 6–4 Dodgers victory.
Other notable players
Several players have played for both teams, including:- Don Sutton—Dodgers 1966–1980, 1988; Angels 1985–1987
- Bill BucknerBill BucknerWilliam Joseph Buckner is a former Major League Baseball first baseman. Despite winning a batting crown in , representing the Chicago Cubs at the All-Star Game the following season and accumulating over 2,700 hits in his twenty-year career, he is best remembered for a fielding error during Game 6...
—Dodgers 1969–1976; Angels 1987–1988 - Bobby ValentineBobby ValentineRobert John "Bobby V" Valentine is an American professional baseball manager and former player who is currently the manager of the Boston Red Sox. He previously managed the Texas Rangers and New York Mets as well as the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan...
—Dodgers 1969, 1971–1972; Angels 1973–1975 - Hoyt WilhelmHoyt WilhelmJames Hoyt Wilhelm was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985....
—Angels 1969; Dodgers 1971–1972 - Tommy JohnTommy JohnThomas Edward John Jr. is a former left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball whose 288 career victories rank as the seventh highest total among left-handers in major league history...
—Dodgers 1972–1974, 1976–1978; Angels 1982–1985 - Frank RobinsonFrank RobinsonFrank Robinson , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and manager. He played from 1956–1976, most notably for the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles. He is the only player to win league MVP honors in both the National and American Leagues...
—Dodgers 1972; Angels 1973–1974 - Geoff ZahnGeoff ZahnGeoffery Clayton Zahn is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. During a 13-year career, he pitched from 1973-1985 for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs of the National League and the Minnesota Twins and California Angels of the American League...
—Dodgers 1973-75; Angels 1981-85 - Fernando ValenzuelaFernando ValenzuelaFernando Valenzuela Anguamea is a Mexican former left-handed pitcher, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers.In 1981, the 20-year-old Valenzuela took Los Angeles by storm, winning his first 8 decisions and leading the Dodgers to the World Championship...
—Dodgers 1980–1990; Angels 1991 - Glenn HoffmanGlenn HoffmanGlenn Edward Hoffman is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball and the current third base coach for the San Diego Padres...
—Dodgers 1987; Angels 1989; Dodgers interim manager 1998 - Eddie MurrayEddie MurrayEddie Clarence Murray , nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is a former Major League Baseball first baseman and designated hitter. He was known as one of the most reliable and productive hitters of his era. Murray is regarded as one of the best switch hitters ever to play the game...
—Dodgers 1989–1991, 1997; Angels 1997 - Tim WallachTim WallachTimothy Charles Wallach , nicknamed "Eli" in reference to actor Eli Wallach, is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played from to for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, and California Angels. He won three Gold Glove awards for defensive excellence and 2 Silver Slugger...
— Dodgers 1993-95, Angels 1996 - Raúl MondesíRaúl MondesíRaúl Ramón Mondesí Avelino is a former Major League Baseball player and the current mayor of San Cristóbal Province in the Dominican Republic. He was the National League Rookie of the Year in 1994 as a right fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers...
—Dodgers 1993–1999; Angels 2004 - Rickey HendersonRickey HendersonRickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
—Angels 1997; Dodgers 2003 - Jim LeyritzJim LeyritzJames Joseph Leyritz is a former catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball.-Early years:Leyritz attended Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Middle Georgia Jr...
—Angels 1997; Dodgers 2000 - Steve FinleySteve FinleySteven Allen Finley is a former Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:Finley, who grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, attended Paducah Tilghman High School and Southern Illinois University, where he earned a degree in physiology and played for the baseball team from 1984–87.-College, Team USA,...
— Dodgers 2004, Angels 2005-06 - Jeff WeaverJeff WeaverJeffrey Charles Weaver is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has pitched in the majors for the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, St. Louis Cardinals, and Seattle Mariners...
—Dodgers 2004–2005, 2009–2010; Angels 2006 - Garret AndersonGarret AndersonGarret Joseph Anderson is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He played most of his career with the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels...
—Angels 1994–2008, Dodgers 2010 - Juan RiveraJuan RiveraJuan Rivera may refer to:*Juan Rivera early Spanish explorer of North America*Juan Rivera , major league baseball outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers*Juan Rivera, wrestler, better known by his stage name Savio Vega...
— Angels 2005-10, Dodgers 2011
Some members of the Angels coaching staff played for the Dodgers. They include:
- Mike SciosciaMike SciosciaMichael Lorri Scioscia is a former Major League Baseball catcher and current manager for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has worked in that capacity since the 2000 season, and is the longest-tenured manager in Major League Baseball....
—Dodgers catcher 1980–1992; Angels manager 2000–present - Ron Roenicke—Dodgers outfielder 1977–1983; Angels bench coach 2000–present
- Mickey HatcherMickey HatcherMichael Vaughn Hatcher is a former Major League Baseball player and a current coach. Most notably, he was Kirk Gibson's replacement for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series, batting .368 with two home runs and five RBI...
—Dodgers first baseman, third baseman, and outfielder 1979–1980 and 1987–1990; Angels hitting coach 2000–present - Alfredo GriffinAlfredo GriffinAlfredo Claudino Griffin is a former Major League Baseball player, who played shortstop for four teams from 1976 to 1993. He is currently the first base coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Playing career:...
—Dodgers shortstop 1988–1991; Angels first base coach 2000–present - Dino EbelDino EbelDino A. Ebel is a former minor league baseball player and manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is currently the third base coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.-Biography:...
—Dodgers minor league utility playerUtility playerIn sport, a utility player is one who can play several positions competently, a sort of jack of all trades. Sports in which the term is often used include association football , baseball, rugby, rugby league, water polo and softball....
1988–1994; Angels third base coach 2006–present
In addition to Scioscia, the following Angels managers played for the Dodgers:
- Gene MauchGene MauchGene William Mauch was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , Boston Braves , St...
—Brooklyn Dodgers 1944 and 1948; Angels manager 1981–1982, 1985–1987 - Dick WilliamsDick WilliamsRichard Hirschfeld "Dick" Williams was an American left fielder, third baseman, manager, coach and front office consultant in Major League Baseball. Known especially as a hard-driving, sharp-tongued manager from 1967–69 and 1971–88, he led teams to three American League pennants, one National...
—Brooklyn Dodgers 1951–1954, 1956; Angels manager 1974–1976 - Norm SherryNorm SherryNorman Burt Sherry is an American former catcher, manager, and coach in Major League Baseball. He is best known as the man who, while still an active player as the second-string catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, helped the great lefthanded pitcher Sandy Koufax harness his talent and transform...
—Dodgers 1959–1962, Angels manager 1976–1977
Additionally, retired Dodgers manager Joe Torre
Joe Torre
Joseph Paul Torre is a former American professional baseball player and manager who currently serves as Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. A nine-time All-Star, he played in Major League Baseball as a catcher, first baseman and a third baseman for the...
(2008–2010) was a broadcaster for the Angels from 1985–1990
Scioscia is the only person to have won three World Series with both teams (Dodgers in and and Angels in ). He led the effort in making the 2002 World Series a moment of peace in the rivalry.
Regular season results
| Year | Series Winner | Dodgers W | Angels W | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 1997 Major League Baseball season *American League Championship Series MVP: Marquis Grissom**American League Division Series*National League Championship Series MVP: Liván Hernández**National League Division Series... |
Dodgers 1997 Los Angeles Dodgers season The 1997 Los Angeles Dodgers season, under manager Bill Russell, was a season in American baseball. It was competitive all season long before finally fading down the stretch; the Dodgers finished in second place behind their longtime rivals, San Francisco Giants, in the Western Division of the... |
4 | 0 | 2-game home-and-away format, first season sweep |
| 1998 1998 Major League Baseball season *American League Championship Series MVP: David Wells**American League Division Series:*National League Championship Series MVP: Sterling Hitchcock**National League Division Series*All-Star Game, July 7 at Coors Field: American League, 13-8; Roberto Alomar, MVP... |
Angels 1998 Anaheim Angels season The Anaheim Angels 1998 season involved the Angels finishing 2nd in the American League west with a record of 85 wins and 77 losses.-Offseason:*December 4, 1997: Greg Cadaret was signed as a Free Agent with the Anaheim Angels.... |
1 | 3 | |
| 1999 1999 Major League Baseball season The previous record of most home runs hit in a season, set at 5,064 in 1998, was broken once again as the American League and National League combined to hit 5,528 home runs. Moreover, it was the first season in 61 years to feature a team that scored 1,000 runs in a season, as the Cleveland Indians... |
Dodgers 1999 Los Angeles Dodgers season The 1999 season started with a new management team; Kevin Malone became the team's General Manager and Davey Johnson was selected to be the new Dodgers Manager. Looking to make a splash, Malone exclaimed "There is a new Sheriff in town" as he took over the reins and made a splash by signing... |
4 | 2 | First year of 6-game home-and-away format |
| 2000 2000 Major League Baseball season The 2000 Major League Baseball season ended with the New York Yankees defeating the New York Mets in Game 5 of the World Series, known as the Subway Series because fans could take the Subway to and from every game of the Series. An all-time record 5,693 home runs were hit during the regular season... |
Angels 2000 Anaheim Angels season The Anaheim Angels 2000 season involved the Angels finishing 3rd in the American League West with a record of 82 wins and 80 losses.The Angels had an extremely powerful offense, with five players hitting at least 25 homers and driving in 97 runs... |
2 | 4 | |
| 2001 2001 Major League Baseball season The Major League Baseball season finished with the Arizona Diamondbacks defeating the New York Yankees in a Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. The attacks of September 11 pushed the end of the regular-season from September 30 to October 7. Because of that, the World Series was not completed until... |
Angels 2001 Anaheim Angels season The Anaheim Angels 2001 season involved the Angels finishing third in the American League west with a record of 75 wins and 87 losses.-Offseason:*December 7, 2000: Tim Belcher was signed as a Free Agent with the Anaheim Angels.... |
2 | 4 | |
| 2002 2002 Major League Baseball season The Major League Baseball season finished with the Anaheim Angels defeating the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.-Major league baseball final standings:... |
Tie | 3 | 3 | Angels win their first World Series 2002 World Series The 2002 World Series was a best-of-seven playoff series to determine the champion of Major League Baseball for the 2002 season. It was the 98th such contest between the champions of the American League and National League , and featured the AL champion Anaheim Angels against the NL champion San... championship |
| 2003 2003 Major League Baseball season *World Series MVP: Josh Beckett**American League Championship Series MVP: Mariano Rivera**National League Championship Series MVP: Iván Rodríguez*All-Star Game, July 15 at U.S... |
Angels 2003 Anaheim Angels season The Anaheim Angels 2003 season involved the Angels finishing 3rd in the American League West Division with a record of 77 wins and 85 losses.-Regular season:... |
2 | 4 | |
| 2004 2004 Major League Baseball season * Playoff MVPs** Manny Ramírez ** David Ortiz ** Albert Pujols * All-Star Game, July 13 at Minute Maid Park: American League, 9-4; Alfonso Soriano, MVP-References:* *... |
Tie | 3 | 3 | Both teams in the postseason for the first time |
| 2005 2005 Major League Baseball season Click on any series score to link to that series' page.Higher seed had home field advantage during Division Series and League Championship Series.The American League champion had home field advantage during the World Series as a result of the AL victory in the 2005 All-Star... |
Angels 2005 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2005 season was the franchise's 45th since its inception. The regular season ended with a record of 95-67, resulting in the Angels winning the American League West division title for the second consecutive season, its fifth in franchise history.In the postseason,... |
1 | 5 | Angels add "Los Angeles" to their name |
| 2006 2006 Major League Baseball season In , the Major League Baseball season ended with the National League's St. Louis Cardinals winning the World Series with the lowest regular season victory total in history. The American League continued its domination at the All-Star Game by winning its fourth straight game; the A.L. has won nine... |
Dodgers 2006 Los Angeles Dodgers season In 2006, the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to improve their record from 2005. The team switched General Managers from Paul DePodesta to Ned Colletti, and hired Grady Little as the new manager. The Dodgers were able to win 88 games... |
4 | 2 | |
| 2007 2007 Major League Baseball season The 2007 Major League Baseball season, began on April 1 with a rematch of the 2006 National League Championship Series; the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets played the first game of the season at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, which was won by the Mets, 6–1... |
Angels 2007 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2007 season was the franchise's 47th season since inception. The regular season ended with a record of 94–68 and the Angels winning the American League West division title for the sixth time... |
1 | 5 | |
| 2008 2008 Major League Baseball season The 2008 Major League Baseball season began on March 25, 2008 in Tokyo, Japan with the 2007 World Series champion Boston Red Sox defeating the Oakland Athletics at the Tokyo Dome 6–5 in the first game of a two-game series, and ended on September 30 with the host Chicago White Sox defeating the... |
Tie | 3 | 3 | |
| 2009 2009 Major League Baseball season The 2009 Major League Baseball season began on Sunday, April 5, 2009 with the Atlanta Braves defeating the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies 4–1. The regular season ended on October 6, extended two days for a one-game playoff between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins to... |
Tie | 3 | 3 | |
| 2010 2010 Major League Baseball season The 2010 Major League Baseball season began Sunday, April 4, when the Boston Red Sox defeated their long-time rivals, the 2009 World Series champion New York Yankees at Fenway Park, 9–7; the regular season ended on October 3. The 2010 All-Star Game was played on July 13 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim... |
Angels 2010 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' 2010 season is the franchise's 50th season and 45th in Anaheim. The Angels began this season as the three-time defending American League West division champions... |
1 | 5 | Angels host All-Star Game 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game The 2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game was the 81st midseason exhibition between the All-Stars of the American League and the National League , the two leagues comprising Major League Baseball... , first Angels sweep at Dodger Stadium |
| 2011 2011 Major League Baseball season The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28. This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since , and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since... |
Angels 2011 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim season The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim' 2011 season was the franchise's 51st season and 46th in Anaheim. The Angels began the season following a disappointing 2010 campaign where they missed the postseason for the first time since 2006, after winning the American League West three times in a row from... |
2 | 4 | Dodgers file for Bankruptcy |
| Overall | Angels (8–3–4) | 36 | 50 |
Postseason series
As of , the Angels and the DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
have never met in the postseason. To meet in the postseason would require that they both advance to the World Series
World Series
The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball, played between the American League and National League champions since 1903. The winner of the World Series championship is determined through a best-of-seven playoff and awarded the Commissioner's Trophy...
in the same year. To date, the two teams have made the playoffs in the same year three times, 2004, 2008 and 2009. In 2004, both teams lost in the Division Series, whereas in 2008 the Angels lost to the Boston Red Sox, 3 games to 1 while the Dodgers swept the Chicago Cubs in 3 games only to lose to the eventual champion
2008 World Series
The 2008 World Series was the 104th World Series between the American and National Leagues for the championship of Major League Baseball. The Philadelphia Phillies as champions of the National League and the Tampa Bay Rays, as American League champions, competed to win four games out of a possible...
Philadelphia Phillies in 5 games in the NLCS. In the 2009 playoffs, both teams advanced to their respective League Championship Series
League Championship Series
The League Championship Series is the official name for a round of postseason play in Major League Baseball which has been conducted since 1969...
, which each team needed to win for there to be a freeway World Series. However, the Dodgers lost game 5 of the NLCS to the defending champion Phillies, and the Angels lost the ALCS in six games to the eventual champion
2009 World Series
The 2009 World Series was the 105th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was contested between the Philadelphia Phillies, champions of the National League and defending World Series champions, and the New York Yankees, champions of the American League...
New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. The Dodgers' losses to the Phillies seemed to be a sense of revenge; they beat the Phillies in two straight NLCS Series, in 1977
1977 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 4, 1977 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Phillies took the opening game of the series, winning their first postseason game since Game 1 of the 1915 World Series...
and 1978
1978 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Wednesday, October 4, 1978 at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaBecause of having to start an NL East-clinching game a few days earlier, Phillies ace Steve Carlton wasn't available for the start of the series, leaving the task to Larry Christenson...
. Both times, they lost to the Yankees in the World Series.
The Angels' only World Series appearance came in their championship season of , while the Dodgers' last one came in their championship season of .
Other Rivalries in the Los Angeles area
- National Hockey League: Freeway Face-OffFreeway Face-OffThe term Freeway Face-off refers to a series of hockey games played between the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings, both of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference...
- National Basketball Association: Lakers–Clippers rivalry
- College Football: UCLA–USC rivalry
- Major League Soccer: Honda SuperClasicoHonda SuperClasico-2010 matches:-----2011 matches:-----Summary of all matches:-Results of all meetings:* – US Open Cup match** – Played at LA Memorial Coliseum*** – MLS Cup Playoffs-Other rivalries in the Los Angeles area:...