Angels Fans Demand Change Amid Team’s Struggles and Ownership Controversy

Frustration is palpable among Angels fans as the team languishes at the bottom of the standings, tied for the worst record in Major League Baseball at 20-34. Despite a surprising sweep of the Rangers, the sentiment among the fan base has reached a boiling point. Lifelong supporter Johnny Gonzalez encapsulated this feeling, rallying around the idea that change is necessary for the franchise to thrive.

During the holiday weekend, fans took to the stands, some going shirtless, to voice their discontent and chant for owner Arte Moreno to “sell the team.” About 75 supporters gathered outside Angel Stadium on Saturday, passionately demanding a shift in direction with chants of “sell the team,” “we want playoffs,” and “winning matters.” The response from passing drivers, who honked in support, highlighted the collective frustration felt by many.

Gonzalez, who organized the protest via his Instagram account @AngelsBoycott, expressed his dismay at the lack of commitment from the organization. “They’re not doing much for us fans,” he said, pointing out that other teams seem to be doing more to foster success despite the Angels boasting a loyal following and having some of the game’s best players. His remarks echo the growing outrage over Moreno’s previous comments indicating that winning wasn’t a top priority for fans, a statement that has not aged well as the team continues to struggle.

With a megaphone in hand, Gonzalez referenced the success of local rivals, including the Ducks’ recent playoff run and the postseason pursuits of the Dodgers and Padres, as evidence that Southern California teams can compete. The Angels have not reached the playoffs in 11 years, a streak that includes six seasons with superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout on the roster.

While team officials did not respond to requests for comment on the protests, manager Kurt Suzuki acknowledged the chants during broadcasts. “I know it’s a thing, the no shirts and waving,” he said, recognizing the fans’ right to express their opinions. Suzuki emphasized that the team remains focused on winning, despite the distractions.

Attendance figures show that the Angels rank No. 9 in MLB with an average of 34,555 fans per game, yet empty seats are becoming a common sight, suggesting that some season ticket holders are opting to stay home. A growing group of fans in the upper deck has adopted the “sell the team” slogan, joining a broader movement across MLB.

Some fans not participating in protests still support the calls for change. “I think it’s good that there’s fans that are passionate enough to actually speak out, to want to see a better team,” said Darren Shimasaki, an Angels fan from Yorba Linda. Others, like Debbie and Reed Olive, attend games mainly for promotions, pointing out that the lack of wins makes the experience less rewarding.

Even the fan experience touted by Moreno has taken a hit, as recent reports of a rodent infestation at the stadium have surfaced, further tarnishing the team’s image. Reed Olive described the infestation as “a bad look” and expressed a desire for both a new owner and a new stadium.

Amid the turmoil, catcher Logan O’Hoppe acknowledged the fans’ frustrations. “We don’t like not doing well, either,” he said, stressing the dedication players have to turning the season around. New Angels left fielder Wade Meckler, who grew up a fan, echoed this sentiment, understanding the hunger for a winning team among the loyal fan base. “It’s a super loyal fan base,” he said, recognizing their energy and commitment.

As the Angels appear on track to miss the postseason for a 12th consecutive year, restless fans continue to call for new ownership willing to invest in a competitive team. “Arte don’t know what he’s talking about,” said Austin Kleschka, who joined the protest. “Winning is a priority. We want that.”

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.