under several monikers since its inception in 1901, including the Cleveland Blues or Bluebirds, the Cleveland Bronchos, and the Cleveland Naps Detroit Tigers The Detroit Tigers were founded as members of the Western League in 1894. Kansas City Royals The Kansas City Royals were added to the American League in a 1969 expansion after the city's first Major League Baseball franchise departed for Oakland, California. Minnesota Twins The Minnesota franchise began its life as the Washington Senators in Washington, D. C., where they played from their inception in 1901 to 1960. Western Division Houston Astros The city of Houston, Texas was awarded an expansion franchise in the National League in 1962 after the dissolution of the Continental League. The team, which began play as the Colt .45s, changed its name to the Houston Astros in 1965. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Playing under various names such as the Los Angeles Angels, California Angels, and Anaheim Angels, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been members of the American League since 1961. Oakland Athletics While the Oakland Athletics have played under the same name since their establishment in 1901, the team has played in three different locations under that moniker. The franchise was initially based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Seattle Mariners The Seattle Mariners franchise was established in 1977, the successor to the earlier Pilots team that moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Texas Rangers When the Minnesota Twins moved to Minneapolis for the 1961 season, a new Washington Senators team was established in the United States capital as an expansion franchise. References