Triple-A · International League · South Jordan, Utah, US · The Ballpark at America First Square
Salt Lake Bees
The Los Angeles Angels' Triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees carry on the Wasatch Front's proud professional baseball tradition with new manager Doug Davis at the helm for 2026 and a new ballpark that opens a fresh chapter for the franchise.
1994–2005
The Early Years
From Buzz to Stingers to Bees
The franchise began play in 1994 as the Salt Lake Buzz, a PCL expansion team that brought Triple-A baseball to Utah for the first time since the old Salt Lake City Gulls departed in 1984. Playing at Franklin Covey Field (later Smith's Ballpark), the Buzz became an instant hit, selling out their new downtown ballpark regularly.
The team rebranded as the Salt Lake Stingers in 2001 when they became the Anaheim Angels' Triple-A affiliate, beginning a partnership that has endured for over two decades through the parent club's own name changes to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and eventually just the Los Angeles Angels.
The franchise adopted the Salt Lake Bees name in 2006, honoring the historic minor league teams that had carried the Bees name in previous decades. The rebrand connected the franchise to the city's rich baseball heritage while providing a fresh identity for a new era.
Key Facts
- Began play as the Salt Lake Buzz in 1994
- Became Angels affiliate in 2001, rebranding as Stingers
- Adopted the Bees name in 2006, honoring historic teams
- Franklin Covey Field (Smith's Ballpark) was a downtown fixture
2006–Present
The Bees Era
Developing Angels stars in the shadow of the Wasatch
The Bees era has been defined by the franchise's consistent role as the Angels' player development hub. Mike Trout, widely considered the greatest player of his generation, played 20 games for Salt Lake in 2012 during his path to the majors. Other notable Angels who came through the Bees include Jered Weaver, Kendrys Morales, and Shohei Ohtani for rehab stints.
The franchise has seen ownership changes, transitioning from the Larry H. Miller Group — the same organization behind the Utah Jazz — to Diamond Baseball Holdings in 2022. The biggest development has been the transition to a new ballpark, The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, which represents a new chapter for the franchise in the growing southern suburbs of the Salt Lake metro.
New manager Doug Davis arrives for 2026 after a highly successful three-year run with the Round Rock Express, bringing fresh energy and a proven track record. His coaching staff retains key returnees including pitching coach Shane Loux and hitting coach Alonzo Powell, providing continuity for the Angels' prospects.
Key Facts
- Mike Trout played 20 games for Salt Lake in 2012
- Transitioned to new ballpark at America First Square
- Doug Davis named manager for 2026 after success in Round Rock
- Diamond Baseball Holdings acquired franchise in 2022