Abbott Isn’t Only One Returning to Big A

The return of Jim Abbott to the Angels will definitely bring back some baseball fans to Anaheim Stadium.

Abbott--who will start Thursday against the Texas Rangers, his first home game at Anaheim since 1992--is having a swift impact. On Monday, sales for Thursday’s game and for season tickets were brisk, according to Kevin Uhlich, vice president of operations. And at midday Monday, a steady flow of up to 50 people lined up outside the stadium’s box offices waiting to buy tickets.

“Since this morning, ticket sales for Abbott’s game have jumped 4,000 seats,” Uhlich said. “We’re up to 19,000 tickets sold; by Thursday, including walk-up sales, we’re hoping to draw 30,000 or more.”

In fact, Uhlich said, Abbott’s start is threatening to upstage Jimmie Reese Night on Wednesday, when the late Angels’ conditioning coach will be entered into the team’s Hall of Fame. The night features pin giveaways and an appearance by former Angel and Texas Ranger Nolan Ryan.

“Right now Jimmie Reese Night has sold about 14,000 tickets. I think by Wednesday, including walk-ups, we’ll be in the mid-20s,” Uhlich said.

Uhlich said the team has sold an additional 150 season tickets since the trade was announced, “but some of that has to do with the club winning.”

It was apparent, however, none of those buying tickets Monday--for Abbott’s return or otherwise--were displeased by the trade.

“I’ve never seen the lines for tickets here like I have today,” said Mike Hisakado, a Chino Hills resident. “But I’m really glad they made the move. I’ve followed Abbott since he was first here, and followed him when he was traded. Even if they have four left-handed starters, they’re four good left-handed starters, so you can’t complain.”

“[Abbott’s] game will be the first one I’ve been to this year. I’ve been on strike myself,” Orange resident Craig Bryon said. “But getting Abbott back shows me they’re interested in winning.”

“My brother Alan is the biggest Jim Abbott fan and would have never forgiven me if we hadn’t gotten tickets,” Fullerton resident Jeff Larick said. “I think it’s good he’s back; ever since he left [for the Yankees and then the White Sox] he hasn’t pitched as well as he did here, except for maybe this season. I think he’ll be happy here.”

But Abbott’s return is not the only boost for the Angels’ box office. The 10-game lead the team has established in the AL West is contributing, too.

“We’re Oakland fans, but we want to see a California team make it to the World Series,” said Louie Aquino of Chino Hills, who was buying tickets for Wednesday’s game.

Because of all the promotional work put into Wednesday’s game, team officials said there were no big plans for Abbott’s return. The Angels will offer buttons bearing Abbott’s likeness to the first 5,000 people at Thursday’s game.

“We want to make it a special night for his return, but we also don’t want to go overboard and slight any other player,” said Joe Schrier, vice president of marketing. “The buttons were something that could be put together quickly. We may also have some kids on the field associated with some of Abbott’s favorite charities, but that’s about it.”