In 1961, the Angels became a member of MLB. By 1962, they posted up a winning season. The year 1970 was a tremendous year for the California Angels. Pitcher Clyde Wright had a 22 win season including a no-hitter. Also, newly acquired left fielder Alex Johnson led the league in 202 hits and a .329 batting average.

After many losing seasons a savior came. His name was Nolan Ryan. In 1973 Ryan set a modern day record of 383 strikeouts and threw four no-hitters in three years. Although Ryan's effectiveness dipped in 1979, the club came to life and finished second in the western division. That year Don Baylor became the first and only DH to win the MVP award. Until 1982 when they had 92 wins, the squad had losing seasons.

In 1984 pitcher Matt Witt pitched a perfect game, but besides that the Angels have struggled. Matt Witt had a 2.34 ERA, and the Angels made it to the playoffs only to have an early exit. Since then the team has patrolled second place until 1996 when the team took a dip. However, with Mo Vaughn and young Adam Kennedy, the team could be winning World Series in twenty years.