ANAHEIM, Calif. — James Melau has been an Angels fan since 1992, and one of his prized possessions is photograph of him and Mike Trout celebrating the last time the team made the playoffs in 2014.
What You Need To Know
- Over 14,000 fans were in attendance at Angel Stadium for Opening Day
- It's the first time Angels fans have attended since 2019
- Long time fan, James Melau, had not missed a season since 1992 before 2020
- Melau is glad to be back "home"
“I would go to Dodgers and Angels games actually, but I identified more with the Angels because they were the underdog team,” Melau said.
He has been cheering for his underdogs in person at Angel stadium at least 20 times a year, every year, since 1992 — every year but 2020 of course.
“It hurt because the stadium is my home,” he explained. “I feel at home every time I go to Angel stadium, it’s like home for me.”
As a new season begins, it brings new hope for Melau and his Angels, and he is not the only one who is glad fans are back in the ballpark.
Albert Pujols, a 21-year-old veteran, is more than ready for fans to be back.
“The support, the energy,” Pulols said. “It’s great to be able to have fans in the stands today.”
Ninety minutes before the first pitch, Melau finally arrived in Anaheim, back to the ballpark, back to a glorious homecoming.
“It means so much,” he said. “This moment right now. I am about to be get emotional. I’m so happy to be back.”