The Five MLB Teams That Call California Home

Baseball in California is serious business. Five teams call the state home, each with its own fans, stadiums, and history. You can see everything from decades of championships to players chasing their first title. The Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Athletics, and Angels are all part of why baseball feels bigger here.

Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
Oakland Athletics
San Diego Padres
Los Angeles Angels

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of Major League Baseball’s most successful and recognized teams. Originally based in Brooklyn, the franchise moved to Los Angeles in 1958. They play at Dodger Stadium, which opened in 1962 and remains one of baseball’s most iconic venues.

Records and Championships

The Dodgers have won 6 World Series titles:

1955 (Brooklyn)
1959
1963
1965
1981
2020

The team has also secured 24 National League pennants, showcasing decades of dominance.

Best Players in Dodgers History

Some of the greatest players in baseball history have worn the Dodgers uniform:

Jackie Robinson: Broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947. A true pioneer of the game.
Sandy Koufax: Known for his dominant pitching, especially during the 1960s.
Clayton Kershaw: A modern legend and three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Fernando Valenzuela: Sparked “Fernandomania” in the 1980s with his talent and charisma.
Roy Campanella: One of the best catchers in MLB history.

Dodger Stadium Experience

Dodger Stadium, located in Chavez Ravine, offers stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Fans come for the baseball but also the Dodger Dog, one of the most famous hot dogs in sports. The stadium reflects the diverse food culture of Los Angeles, with options ranging from tacos to plant-based meals.

2. San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most storied franchises. Originally established in 1883 as the New York Giants, the team moved to San Francisco in 1958. They play at Oracle Park, a stadium famous for its scenic views along the San Francisco Bay.

Records and Championships

The Giants have won 8 World Series titles, including three in recent years:

1905 (New York)
1921
1922
1933
1954
2010
2012
2014

The Giants hold 23 National League pennants and have built a strong legacy of postseason success.

Best Players in Giants History

Some of baseball’s biggest legends have played for the Giants:

Willie Mays: Widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Barry Bonds: MLB’s all-time home run leader with 762 career home runs.
Willie McCovey: A powerful slugger and Hall of Fame first baseman.
Christy Mathewson: One of baseball’s earliest pitching legends.
Buster Posey: A cornerstone of the Giants’ three World Series titles in the 2010s.

Oracle Park Experience

Oracle Park is located along the waterfront and offers some of the most picturesque views in baseball. Fans sitting in the outfield can look over McCovey Cove, where home run balls often land in the bay.

Notable features include:

The Crazy Crab’z Sandwich: A popular local favorite made with fresh Dungeness crab.
The stadium’s open design, which allows fans to watch part of the game for free from the public walkway outside the right field wall.

3. Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics, often called the A’s, are a franchise with a deep history and a reputation for resilience. Founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics, the team moved to Kansas City in 1955 before settling in Oakland in 1968. They play at RingCentral Coliseum, a venue that has witnessed both championship moments and the team’s fight for a modern stadium.

Records and Championships

The Athletics have won 9 World Series titles, four of which came after their move to Oakland:

1910 (Philadelphia)
1911
1913
1929
1930
1972 (Oakland)
1973
1974
1989

They are also 16-time American League champions, marking them as one of the most decorated teams in baseball history.

Best Players in Athletics History

The Athletics have produced some of baseball’s most iconic players:

Rickey Henderson: MLB’s all-time leader in stolen bases.
Reggie Jackson: “Mr. October,” a clutch hitter and key player during the 1970s dynasty.
Catfish Hunter: A Hall of Fame pitcher who dominated the 1970s.
Dennis Eckersley: Revolutionized the closer role, earning a Cy Young and MVP award in 1992.
Mark McGwire: Known for his power hitting and contributions during the late 1980s.

RingCentral Coliseum Experience

RingCentral Coliseum, while aging, remains a symbol of Oakland’s passionate baseball fans. The atmosphere, driven by die-hard supporters, has kept the spirit of the Athletics alive despite challenges.

Key features of the experience include:

Fireworks Nights: Special games that end with a fireworks show for fans in the outfield.
Food Truck Lineup: A rotating lineup of trucks serving Oakland favorites like Korean street food and Roderick’s BBQ sandwiches.

4. San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are one of California’s younger Major League Baseball franchises, established in 1969 as part of MLB’s expansion. Despite not yet securing a World Series title, the Padres have become a cornerstone of San Diego sports culture. They play at Petco Park, often recognized as one of the most beautiful and fan-friendly ballparks in the league.

Records and Championships

While the Padres have yet to win a World Series, they have reached the Fall Classic twice:

1984: Lost to the Detroit Tigers
1998: Lost to the New York Yankees

The team has also won the National League West title 5 times, showing their competitiveness over the years.

Best Players in Padres History

Some of baseball’s most celebrated players have donned the Padres uniform:

Tony Gwynn: Known as “Mr. Padre,” Gwynn was an 8-time batting champion and one of MLB’s most consistent hitters.
Trevor Hoffman: One of the greatest closers in baseball history with over 600 career saves.
Dave Winfield: A Hall of Fame outfielder who began his career with the Padres.
Jake Peavy: A dominant pitcher and Cy Young Award winner in 2007.
Fernando Tatis Jr.: A modern star known for his electrifying play and leadership in the current Padres roster.

Petco Park Experience

Petco Park, located in the heart of downtown San Diego, offers a blend of modern amenities and unique design. The park’s integration of the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building adds a vintage touch, while the Park at the Park provides a family-friendly space with grass seating, picnic areas, and a statue of Tony Gwynn.

Notable features include:

Local Food Options: Fans can enjoy San Diego classics like fish tacos, carne asada fries, and craft beer from renowned local breweries.
Views: The ballpark offers scenic views of downtown San Diego and the nearby bay.

5. Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels, also known as the Halos, were established in 1961 as an expansion team. Based in Anaheim, they play their home games at Angel Stadium, one of Major League Baseball’s oldest ballparks. Though often overshadowed by their Los Angeles counterparts, the Angels have built a loyal following and remain a vital part of California’s baseball landscape.

Records and Championships

The Angels won their only World Series title in 2002, defeating the San Francisco Giants in a seven-game series.

Other notable achievements include:

9 American League West Division titles
Consistent contributions from some of baseball’s brightest stars over the years.

Best Players in Angels History

The Angels have been home to legendary and current players who have shaped the game:

Mike Trout: Widely regarded as the best player of his generation, with multiple MVP awards.
Shohei Ohtani: A rare two-way player excelling as both a pitcher and hitter, drawing global attention.
Vladimir Guerrero: A fan favorite and Hall of Famer known for his powerful hitting.
Nolan Ryan: One of MLB’s greatest pitchers, famous for his blazing fastball and record-setting strikeouts.
Tim Salmon: Nicknamed “Mr. Angel,” he was a key contributor during the 2002 championship season.

Angel Stadium Experience

Angel Stadium, located in Anaheim, is a classic ballpark that reflects Southern California’s relaxed and family-friendly vibe. Key features include:

The “Big A”: A towering red “A” with a halo that lights up after every Angels victory.
The Rock Fountain: A dramatic outfield centerpiece with geysers and artificial boulders.
Food Options: The Big A Burger, served with two patties and cheese on a potato bun, is a must-try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest MLB stadium in California?

Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles is the largest MLB stadium in California. It has a seating capacity of approximately 56,000, making it the biggest in Major League Baseball.

Which California MLB team has the oldest ballpark?

The Los Angeles Angels play at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, which opened in 1966. It is the fourth-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.

What is the significance of McCovey Cove at Oracle Park?

McCovey Cove is the section of the San Francisco Bay beyond the right field wall at Oracle Park. It is named after Giants legend Willie McCovey, and fans in kayaks gather there hoping to catch home run balls hit into the water.

Which California team has the longest championship drought?

The San Diego Padres have the longest championship drought among California teams. Since their founding in 1969, they have not won a World Series despite reaching it twice.

How do you access RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland without a car?

Fans can easily reach RingCentral Coliseum using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). A dedicated BART station is located near the stadium, offering a convenient public transit option.

What makes Petco Park unique among MLB stadiums?

Petco Park in San Diego integrates the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building into its design, adding a unique vintage charm. It also features the Park at the Park, a family-friendly grassy area beyond the outfield that provides a relaxed viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

The Dodgers and Giants carry decades of history and loyal fanbases. The Athletics hold onto their legacy while pushing for a brighter future. The Padres give fans a great day at the ballpark, and the Angels deliver star power with players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Each team adds something real to baseball in California. Fans show up, cheer, and keep the game alive, season after season.