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What’s In A Name? A Whole Lot! By Avery Smith
As a young kid growing up, I had the benefit of rooting for two major league teams. The Dodgers were by far my favorite. They were the team that I grew up with and identified. They had Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, Davey Lopes, and my dad Reggie Smith (just kidding about Reggie, but it worked in elementary school). The California Angels were my other team. I liked watching Bobby Grich, Doug DeCinces, Fred Lynn, and Superman (Brian Downing) play. There was never a conflict with my beloved Dodgers because they were in two separate leagues. Most Dodger fans, looked upon the Angels like a favorite cousin, someone who they would pull for if their team went down. I felt the pain of the Halos when Dave Henderson hit that homerun against Donnie Moore in 1986. I was saddened when the Angels blew their 13 game cushion against the Mariners in 1997. When the Angels changed their name to the “Anaheim Angels”, that didn’t cause a fuss. It actually seemed to fit. “ANA”, the abbreviation for the Angels, was the name of one of the cutest girls in my high school. She was smart with those beautiful girl next-door looks. Then I found out one day that Ana went off and married one of those really rich guys. What happened next…Ana turned into LAAoA!!!! That cute smile was replaced by an even worse attitude. It was a tragedy for Ana, and an even bigger one for the citizens of Southern California.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim is the creation of Arte Moreno, their new owner. It has to be one the most ridiculous names of a professional franchise in history. Let’s take a look at the name. Why the “of Anaheim”? I have to give Moreno credit, at least he’s openly kissing ass. I always thought an “angel” was someone to be counted on, someone who was loyal. These “Angels” are trying to be loyal to two places. I guess the Angels almost got it right when they knew that they should give their allegiance to the Almighty…the Almighty Dollar that is. Shouldn’t the Angels also destroy their current red uniforms, and just go full force and dress in all green. I think that would suit them much better. Actually, I think the “puke green” that pimps wear might be even more appropriate, as they have played Anaheim like a fiddle. Their fan base is solidly O.C., yet they get away with a name that is exudes L.A. I hear Spike Lee is coming out with a sequel to “He Got Game”…hey Spike, ditch that Ray Allen guy, Arte Moreno is your man.
If you think I’m being too hard on the Benedicts, then too bad. I thought Billy Joel was cold-blooded when he left he left his wife for Christie Brinkley. Billy now looks like Mother Teresa compared to Arte Moreno. The Angels broke the hearts of two million Orange County residents who offered them nothing but love. I feel bad for the countless Angel fans who have “Stand By Your Man” on repeat. Maybe Moreno and Tammy Wynette were in cahoots. I know that sounds preposterous, but the “Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim” sounds worse. The Angels have pulled a fast one, and yet they are still going to draw 3 million. It seems that the only people that care about their transparent lack of loyalty are the ones in L.A. Did they really think that by changing the name of the franchise, we would forsake the team Angelenos have grown to love? Hell, if it’s that easy maybe I should give it a shot. My new name is now Avery Smith of Jolie. I’ll let everyone know if Angelina comes around.
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