Angel Fans Are Upset Over Joyner’s Departure

Even as they expressed regret over first baseman Wally Joyner signing with the Kansas City Royals, Angel fans praised him Monday, and also blasted the club for the “bad mistake” of letting him slip away.

Here’s what some Angel fans had to say:

Ron Webster, baseball card dealer and owner of ABC Coins in Santa Ana: “I hate to see him go. I am upset about it. It’s a bad mistake. That’s what’s wrong with the Angels. They keep getting rid of the good guys and hiring young kids who haven’t proven themselves.”

Webster also said one customer told him that he will no longer go to Anaheim Stadium to watch the Angels play because Joyner is leaving.

Anaheim High School baseball Coach Dave Torres: “(It’s) kind of sad, but it’s good for him if he can get the money.

“I thought he was a good player. He played hard all the time. I think he’s going to be missed.”

Matt Prather, 13, who owns more than $1,500 worth of baseball cards, including 38 of Joyner: “I’m going to miss not getting to see Joyner play. He was the only guy (whose swing) I’d sit back and copy all day, (but) it’s better to have him on a team where he’s appreciated.”

Patrick Zaldo, 13: “He would get the people on their feet when it was close,” invariably prompting an enthusiastic chant of “Wally! Wally! Wally!” With Joyner in Kansas City, he asked, “Who wants to watch the Angels?”

Barry Reid, 14: “Wally World is gone.” Reid also said he won’t follow the team anymore.