The Los Angeles Angels, one of Major League Baseball’s longstanding franchises, have a storied history filled with successes and memorable moments.
While they have achieved numerous milestones throughout their existence, one question lingers: Have the Angels ever won 100 games in a single season? This elusive feat has eluded the team thus far, despite several close attempts.
From their closest brush with 100 wins in 2008 to strong performances in other seasons, the Angels have showcased their talent and competitiveness.
We will explore the Angels’ pursuit of the elusive 100-win season, highlighting their notable seasons, playoff runs, and the overall impact of their performances.
Have the Angels Ever Won 100 Games?
The Los Angeles Angels are one of the most popular teams in Major League Baseball, but they have never achieved the feat of winning 100 games in a single season.
The closest they came was in 2008 when they won 100 games, but they also lost one game that was not counted in the official standings due to a rainout. Therefore, their official record was 99-63, which still earned them the American League West division title and the best record in the league.
The 2008 Season: Closest Brush With 100 Wins
Impressive Regular Season Record
During the 2008 season, the Los Angeles Angels showcased their prowess with an outstanding regular season record of 100-62.
This marked their closest brush with reaching the coveted 100-win mark in franchise history. Their strong performance throughout the season demonstrated their ability to consistently compete at a high level.
Success in the American League Division Series
Building on their regular season success, the Angels continued their winning ways in the American League Division Series. They faced off against the Boston Red Sox and emerged victorious, sweeping them in three games.
This success in the postseason highlighted their ability to perform under pressure and further fueled hopes of a deep playoff run.
Loss in the American League Championship Series
Unfortunately, the Angels’ journey in the 2008 postseason came to an end in the American League Championship Series. They faced the Tampa Bay Rays and despite their best efforts, fell short of reaching the World Series, losing the series.
While their playoff run ended prematurely, the Angels had still showcased their talent and resilience throughout the season.
Record for the Season
When considering both the regular season and the postseason, the Angels finished the 2008 campaign with an impressive overall record of 103-69.
While they didn’t achieve the milestone of 100 wins in the regular season alone, their combined success demonstrated the strength of the team and their ability to compete at a high level against tough opponents.
What Was the Los Angeles Angels Best Year?
Source: usatoday
The Los Angeles Angels have been one of the most successful franchises in the American League since the turn of the century, winning six division titles and one World Series.
Here is a ranking of the top five seasons in Angels history, based on their regular season record and postseason performance.
5) 2007: 94-68
The Angels won their third consecutive AL West crown in 2007, led by a balanced offense that featured six players with at least 15 home runs and a pitching staff that ranked second in the league in ERA. However, they were swept by the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS, ending their season on a sour note.
4) 2009: 97-65
The Angels overcame the tragic death of pitcher Nick Adenhart in April to win their fifth division title in six years. They had a potent lineup that scored the most runs in the majors, with Torii Hunter, Kendrys Morales, and Bobby Abreu leading the way.
They also had a resilient bullpen that featured Brian Fuentes, Kevin Jepsen, and Darren Oliver. They defeated the Red Sox in the ALDS for their first postseason series win since 2005 but lost to the New York Yankees in six games in the ALCS.
3) 2014: 98-64
The Angels had the best record in baseball in 2014, thanks to a stellar offense that boasted Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Howie Kendrick. They also had a solid rotation that included Jered Weaver, Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker.
However, they were stunned by the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS, losing three straight games by a combined score of 15-6.
2) 2002: 99-63
The Angels had their most magical season in 2002, winning their first and only World Series title. They had a scrappy and clutch offense that featured Tim Salmon, Garret Anderson and David Eckstein.
They also had a dominant bullpen that included Troy Percival, Francisco Rodriguez and Brendan Donnelly. They came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Yankees in the ALDS, then defeated the Minnesota Twins in five games in the ALCS.
In the World Series, they faced the San Francisco Giants, who had a 3-2 lead and were eight outs away from clinching the title in Game 6. But the Angels rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to force a Game 7, which they won 4-1 behind John Lackey’s pitching and Anderson’s three-run double.
1) 2008: 100-62
The team with the most wins in Angels history is not the ’02 World Series championship team, which won 99 games, but the ’08 team, which is the Angels’ only 100-game winner.
They had a balanced and consistent offense that featured Mark Teixeira, Vladimir Guerrero, and Chone Figgins. They also had a superb pitching staff that ranked first in the league in ERA, with Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, and John Lackey forming a formidable trio.
They cruised to their fourth division title in five years, finishing 21 games ahead of second-place Texas. However, they ran into a red-hot Boston Red Sox team in the ALDS, who beat them in four games.
FAQS
How many times have the Los Angeles Angels reached the playoffs?
The Los Angeles Angels have reached the playoffs 10 times in their franchise history.
Who is the all-time home run leader for the Angels?
The all-time home run leader for the Angels is Tim Salmon, who hit 299 home runs during his career with the team.
Which pitcher holds the record for the most wins in a single season for the Angels?
The record for the most wins in a single season by a pitcher for the Angels is held by Dean Chance, who won 20 games in the 1964 season.
Who is the most recent Angels player to win the American League MVP award?
The most recent Angels player to win the American League MVP award is Mike Trout, who won the award in 2019.
What is the Angels’ longest winning streak in franchise history?
The Angels’ longest winning streak in franchise history is 11 games, achieved in both the 1964 and 2004 seasons.
To Recap
While the Los Angeles Angels have never won 100 games in a regular season, they have come close on several occasions.
Their closest brush with the milestone came in 2008 when they finished with a 100-62 record, the best in franchise history. They have consistently been a competitive team, earning playoff berths and showcasing their talent.
Despite falling short of the elusive 100-win mark, the Angels have experienced success in other aspects, including division titles, a pennant, and a World Series championship.
The quest for 100 wins remains a challenge, but the Angels’ history of strong performances provides optimism for future seasons.
