Voices : Views on Disney’s purchase of 25% of the Angels being approved by major league owners.

“It’s healthy for baseball to have someone like Disney, Warner Bros. or Universal MCA interested in owning a team. Organizations like that bring a lot to the party.”

--Peter O’Malley

Dodger owner

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“Disneyland has been an important contributor to Orange County for 40 years. You have the Mighty Ducks and now the Angels. All we need now is for Disney to be a partner in bringing professional football back to Orange County.

“I think this is a good boost for Orange County’s self-esteem, which has suffered a tough year because of the bankruptcy.”

--Bill Steiner

Orange County supervisor

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“When I was with the Angels, I had contact with the fine people at Disney many times. They know the entertainment business, so this will be very positive for Orange County and, hopefully, a good thing for Mr. and Mrs. Autry.”

--Mike Port

Former Angel executive

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“I think they’ll finally start winning, just because everything Disney touches turns to gold. And the Angels are due to win. How many years has it been?”

--Angel fan Mark Howmann

Mission Viejo

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“I think it’s good for the sport, good for the area and good for the team. It takes a load off The Cowboy and maybe they can bring him a winner while he’s still around.

“But I hope they won’t bring an Angel down a guy wire from the view seats to center field, like the old Tinkerbell off the Matterhorn trick.”

--Angel fan Dave Bueche

Irvine

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“I think it is terrific. If anybody knows how to market in the world of entertainment, it’s Disney. And if there’s any one thing that needs marketing, it’s the Angels, especially after the last month of last season.”

--Don Myers

The Catch restaurant owner

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“The name Autry is part of Angel tradition. He was not only the owner, but a guy who liked players and loved the business. I’m sure Disney people will come in and have good ideas. But I guess what’s happening in our business is the corporations are starting to get more involved. It was always nice to know that the O’Malleys owned the Dodgers, the Autrys owned the Angels and the Griffiths owned the Twins.”

--Bill Rigney

Angel manager 1961-69

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“I always felt bad for Mr. Autry that we didn’t get to the World Series. He’s done an incredible job, being the man he is and keeping the team here. Now, I don’t know if Disney will put things in a direction so that the Angels will finally get to the World Series, but I think everybody who’s an Angel fan will always think of Gene Autry if and when they get there. People will remember Gene Autry and say thanks for bringing the team here and keeping the team here.”

--Doug DeCinces

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“With Disney’s marketing ability and creative ability, and the fact they have financial wherewithal, makes you beware. They are going to figure out how to make this club an attraction, and they know for it to be an attraction it has to be a winner.”

--Reggie Jackson

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--Compiled by Chris Foster, Times staff writer