Angel Notes : Fans Cause Minor Damage to Stadium

Anaheim Stadium escaped serious damage following Friday night’s division championship win by the Angels. First, second and third bases were stolen by fans during the celebration, as were four outfield distance markers. The markers were cut from the protective tarpaulin covering the outfield fences.

The playing surface sustained only minimal damage, that limited to the turf around the pitching mound.

“Overall, the field is in good playing condition,” said Kevin Uhlich, manager of stadium operations. “It was much better than Shea Stadium was left.”

Angel General Manager Mike Port said: “Overall, the fans were very considerate in their exuberance. It was a Southern California dignity, if I do say so.”

Groundskeepers began repairing the field shortly after Friday night’s game. Port was there, too, wearing a champagne-soaked dress shirt while inspecting the mound and infield. Uhlich said about 10 “fairly good size” patches of turf were replaced, and new distance markers will be installed.

“We expected people to go on the field--we did not expect the areas of sod to be pulled up,” Uhlich said. “I think the publicity that Shea Stadium had put little evil thoughts in people’s minds. All of sudden, it turns people into beasts in Anaheim, when we had not encountered that in the previous two clinching days (in 1979 and 1982).”

Don’t expect to see reliever Donnie Moore pitch in the next few days. Moore has asked for and will receive some time off.

“We’ll obviously rest the people who need rest,” pitching coach Marcel Lachemann said.

Said Moore: “I’m one of those guys. I’m going to take my rest. Three or four days. I’m not going to shut it down, though. I want to work.

“I looked at my stat sheet, and I’m at 60-70 innings (actually, 68). That’s usually when I start throwing well. My arm is starting to feel good. It’s still not like I want it, but it’s better than it was.”

Moore, who recently underwent a CAT scan after complaining of frequent migraine headaches, said the condition has improved. “I have (headaches) every now and then,” he said, “but the medication has really worked.”

Reliever Terry Forster, on the evils of champagne: “I’ve got to feel better as the day goes on. I can’t feel much worse.”

How did the Angel postgame celebration rank on the Forster scale?

“You mean, what I remember of it?” he said.

One of those conspicuously missing from the postgame festivities Friday night was Reggie Jackson, who spent most of his time after the game in the training room and later said simply, “I wasn’t into it.”

Jackson entered Friday night’s game in the seventh, replacing designated hitter Rick Burleson.

Approached before Saturday’s game, Jackson still wasn’t in the best of moods. “I have nothing good to say, so I have nothing to say,” he said.

Earlier, Manager Gene Mauch had asked Jackson if he wanted to play Saturday. Jackson had his choice: right field or designated hitter. Jackson was in the lineup as the Angel DH.

Ranger Manager Bobby Valentine, on the Angels’ playoff chances: “I think it’s going to be an outstanding series, and whoever wins will represent the American League in grand fashion. (The Angels) have strong pitchers who throw strikes, good discipline, and I think that’s a good team. Reminds me of the old Oakland A’s.”