It’s not just an exhibition.
It’s a rivalry built over decades—and the numbers might surprise you.
The Dodgers are back in Southern California—and with them returns one of baseball’s most quietly intense traditions:
The Freeway Series.
What started as a simple exhibition game in 1962 has evolved into a decades-long rivalry that still sparks pride, debate, and bragging rights across Los Angeles and Anaheim.
But here’s the twist:
The history doesn’t favor the Dodgers.
A Rivalry That Started Before It Made Sense
Back in 1962, when the Dodgers and Angels first faced off in Palm Springs, interleague play didn’t even exist. National League and American League teams almost never met outside the World Series.
That first 6-5 Angels win wasn’t just a game—it was a novelty.
A glimpse into something baseball wasn’t ready for yet.
Fast forward decades later, and everything has changed.
Since 1997, the Dodgers and Angels have faced each other every year in the regular season, removing some of the mystery—but not the meaning—of their spring clashes.
Now, the Freeway Series is less about discovery…
And more about identity.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Despite being one of MLB’s most dominant franchises, the Dodgers have struggled in this specific rivalry—at least when it comes to the exhibition version.
All-time Freeway Series record:
👉 Dodgers: 60 wins
👉 Angels: 79 wins
👉 Ties: 6
That’s a clear edge for Anaheim.
Even more surprising?
The Dodgers haven’t dominated at home either.
- At Dodger Stadium: 33-37-3
- In Anaheim: 27-41-3
No matter the venue, the Angels have consistently found ways to win.
Decades of Ups and Downs
The rivalry hasn’t been one-sided every year—but it’s been inconsistent for Los Angeles.
- 1960s: Rough start (1-6)
- 1970s: Strong surge (14-11-1)
- 1980s–1990s: Competitive but uneven
- 2000s: Major dip (4-9-3)
- 2010s: Struggles return (9-17-2)
- 2020s: Slight recovery, but still trailing
In total?
👉 Runs scored: 577
👉 Runs allowed: 597
Even in scoring, the Dodgers are slightly behind.
Does It Still Matter?
Here’s the real question:
With six regular-season games already scheduled every year—three in Anaheim, three in Los Angeles—does the Freeway Series still carry weight?
On paper, maybe less than before.
But emotionally?
It still hits.
Because this isn’t just about standings.
It’s about regional pride.
Fan bragging rights.
And a reminder that even the biggest teams can be challenged close to home.
What’s Next in 2026
The latest edition of the Freeway Series is set:
- One game in Anaheim
- Two games at Dodger Stadium
And while these are technically “just exhibitions,” don’t expect either side to treat them that way.
Because history lingers.
And for the Dodgers, there’s something to prove.
Final Thought
The Dodgers may dominate headlines.
They may dominate payroll.
They may even dominate October.
But in this rivalry?
The Angels have quietly held the upper hand.
And every spring…
They get another chance to remind everyone.
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