[5] Though not as intense as the Dodgers–Giants rivalry equivalent in the National League (NL) West; the A's and Angels have often battled for the division title on numerous occasions, with the added animosity between Northern and Southern California fueling the matchups.

Both teams struggled mightily through the 1960s as both encountered mediocre play, however; the Athletics began to quickly emerge as postseason titans, winning three straight World Series titles from 1972 to 1974.

Much to the shock of sportswriters and fans alike, the A's fell in the ALDS to the Minnesota Twins, while the Angels pushed on to win the World Series in an improbable playoff run.

[15] Both teams were battling to secure the division title; however, Oakland fell in two crushing losses to the Angels with only one victory in the series coming in the final game of the year.

Tension began to resurface between both teams in 2023, when Angels' third baseman Anthony Rendon received a four-game suspension following an altercation with an Athletics fan during the season opener series in Oakland.