How Many Baseball Teams Are in California? Complete Breakdown
California is one of the most baseball-rich states in the United States, home to passionate fan bases, iconic ballparks, and a concentration of Major League Baseball franchises unmatched outside the Northeast. From the bustling stadiums in Los Angeles to historic parks in the San Francisco Bay Area, California’s MLB presence plays a central role in the culture and identity of the sport on the West Coast.
There are five Major League Baseball teams based in California, with franchises spread across major metropolitan areas. These teams — the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and San Diego Padres — collectively represent both the National League and the American League. California leads all U.S. states except New York and is tied with Texas for the most MLB teams, showcasing the state’s deep connection to baseball history, competitive success, and fan devotion.
Read More ›
The Los Angeles Dodgers: A National League Powerhouse
The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the most storied franchises in baseball history. Originally established in Brooklyn in the early 20th century, the team relocated to Los Angeles in the late 1950s and quickly became a staple of West Coast baseball.
The Dodgers have enjoyed sustained competitive success, including multiple World Series championships, and play their home games in one of the sport’s most iconic ballparks. Their fan base is among the largest and most enthusiastic in the country, and the franchise’s influence extends far beyond California.
Los Angeles Angels: The Halo of MLB
The Los Angeles Angels — often called the Angels — are California’s American League representative in the greater Los Angeles area. The franchise has a passionate regional following and has featured some of the game’s most electrifying players throughout its history.
Read More ›
Although championship success has been more limited compared with some of the state’s other teams, the Angels remain a central part of Southern California’s baseball landscape, drawing fans from across the region to their home stadium.
San Francisco Giants: Bay Area Baseball Legacy
Across the state in Northern California, the San Francisco Giants carry a rich baseball tradition that dates back to the early days of the sport. After moving from New York in the late 1950s, the Giants established themselves in the Bay Area with a legacy of great players, intense rivalries, and memorable postseason runs.
Their home games — played in a scenic ballpark overlooking the Bay — are a highlight for baseball fans who value both competitive play and nostalgic tradition.
Oakland Athletics: A Legacy of Innovation and Success
The Oakland Athletics (A’s) are another proud California franchise with deep roots and a championship pedigree. Known for embracing both baseball innovation and classic fundamentals, the A’s have delivered multiple titles and have cultivated a devoted, if smaller, fan base in the East Bay.
Read More ›
Their presence contributes to the baseball culture of Northern California and adds to the state’s wide geographic span of professional teams.
San Diego Padres: Southern California’s Coastal Contender
Down south near the U.S.–Mexico border, the San Diego Padres complete California’s MLB roster. The Padres have emerged in recent years as a competitive force, energizing fans with exciting play and dynamic young talent.
Their picturesque ballpark and passionate home crowd make San Diego a vibrant part of California’s baseball scene, adding geographic diversity to the state’s list of professional teams.
California’s Unique Baseball Footprint
California’s five MLB teams are spread across the state’s major population centers, putting high-level baseball within reach for millions of fans. The state hosts franchises in both the National League and American League, reflecting a balance of competition and regional representation.
This concentration of teams has helped fuel rivalries, shaped postseason races, and contributed to baseball’s cultural footprint across the West Coast. Fans in California enjoy not only a high volume of games but also deep traditions and varied baseball experiences from city to city.
Read More ›
Baseball Beyond the Majors in California
In addition to Major League Baseball, California boasts numerous minor league, collegiate summer league, and independent baseball clubs, further enriching the sport’s presence in the state. Youth programs, high school teams, and community leagues also thrive, supporting a robust baseball culture from grassroots to the professional level.
As a result, California remains one of the most baseball-intensive regions in the country — a state where the sport is woven into local identity and where fans of all ages can celebrate the game year-round.
