The state of California and the Los Angeles Angels baseball team share striking parallels in their prolonged periods of underperformance and public dissatisfaction, according to a recent analysis. Both entities are described as failing to meet expectations, with a change in leadership anticipated in the near future.
The Angels, owned by Arte Moreno, are facing an 11-season losing streak and have not made the postseason since 2014. As of late 2026, the team held a 53-86 record, a winning percentage of just .381. Moreno announced his intention to sell the team, a move met with considerable public approval. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of persistent crises within California itself, including entrenched homelessness, lack of affordability, and shortages in housing, water, energy, and infrastructure.
"State residents endure a long list of crises that fester and deepen from one season to the next," the analysis states. Issues cited include often-dismal public schools, unchecked spending, overtaxation, underperformance by state government, widespread fraud, crime, and the influence of special interests in Sacramento.
Despite possessing significant resources and historically high-profile talent – such as baseball stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani for the Angels, and California's natural advantages like its climate, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley – both have consistently underperformed. The Angels' inability to capitalize on star players to achieve winning seasons is likened to California's struggles to address issues like homelessness and infrastructure projects, such as the high-speed rail which has seen little progress in two decades.
The sentiment is that both have accepted failure as the norm. The Angels have cycled through managers and coaches, while state and local governments are seen as having largely given up on problem-solving, instead placating supporters and donors.
Governor Gavin Newsom has also faced criticism for campaigning for the presidency outside the state while domestic crises persist. "Meanwhile, the gallivanting Gov. Gavin Newsom routinely skips town to campaign for the presidency," the analysis noted.
Come January, the Angels are expected to operate under new ownership. Concurrently, California will have a new governor. The question remains which of these upcoming leadership changes will bring about more significant positive transformation.
