When you look at how the world is, it’s run by technology. We have a device in our pocket that not only allows us to call people, but is also a computer in the palm of our hands. Pretty remarkable when you think about it. These devices can allow us to stray away from what’s really important and can become a distraction.

As a household, I like to have a rule where we put our phones down during dinner so we can engage with one another. Sounds nice right? It is. Entering the 2025 baseball season, the Los Angeles Angels have a rule in place that regards cell phones and I gotta say, I tip my cap to them for that because it’s actually a good thing. The Angels are going to be built on positive vibes and the power of friendship.

Angels Have New Rule in Place

You gotta love Ron Washington for doing this. As it currently stands, the Angels have a no cellphone rule while at your lockers. There is an exception for emergencies of course. Attached is a $500 fine for using it otherwise. It sounds crazy, especially in the world we live in. However, when it applies to the game of baseball it makes sense.

When on a major league roster, you are bonded to your teammates for a grind that is the 162 game season. You spend more time with them than your own family. At the end of the day, your team is your family and that is what the goal is here. The no cellphone rule is put in place so that way it forces guys to interact with one another and form a bond. Not only that, but get on the same page and buy into what the team is trying to accomplish. Veteran outfielder Mike Trout touched on this rule and how it’s been going and how he feels about it.

“It’s been good,” Trout said, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. “The guys are interacting more. I think the biggest thing we’re working on this year, just building that family chemistry, getting everybody on board.”

We all know about the Angels and their organization outlook. This is a team many have pegged to finish fourth in the division and likely miss the playoffs and we can all continue talking about how they need to trade Mike Trout. Maybe this is the way that they get everyone onboard and they can buy into a culture and really lean into the power of friendship to fuel them in 2025.

The Angels haven’t been to the playoffs since 2014, and they ultimately failed to make the playoffs while having the two best players in the sport on the same team. There have been multiple missteps along the way, like not trading Shohei Ohtani, but given where they are and what’s in place, they need to right the ship.

It truly is going to start with Trout. He is the face of the Angels and is their fearless leader. He leads by example on the field, but is also the voice in the clubhouse. Trout doesn’t speak much, but when he does pay attention. Washington has touched on this rule further and states that it’ll be up to the veterans running the clubhouse. Also, this isn’t a punishment, but a way to keep them focused and keeping their eyes on the prize.

“It’s not punishment,” Washington said. “It’s just trying to keep them focused. You can use your phone when you come in. Take it and you can leave the clubhouse and you can use your phone as much as you want. It’s to get them more focused on what we are supposed to be doing.”

The Angels have had a busier offseason. They landed Jorge Soler, Travis D’Arnaud, Yusei Kikuchi to name a few players. Christian Moore is going to be huge for them eventually and Mike Trout is moving to right field in hopes to preserve some health.

Are the Angels a playoff team? I don’t think so. But in a wide open American League, they’ll ride the power of friendship and family bonding in 2025 in hopes of accomplishing something special.