Disney Shows Its True Colors With Angels’ Red Era

Today may seem like just another day to you, but it isn’t.

This is “Red Dawn” day in Orange County. No, it’s not part of a Tom Clancy book tour. Nor are you in imminent danger, as the somewhat forbidding designation suggests. Stay in your homes, and you’ll be perfectly safe.

No, “Red Dawn” is the start of a new era in Angels baseball.

Would that it were true. Actually, it’s nothing more than a corporate decision to change the team’s uniform and logo in the hopes of selling more merchandise to you, the loyal fan. Think of it as the baseball equivalent of the new spring line from Versace or Donna Karan.

You may hear some team officials say that the switch, in which red will be prominently featured, is about creating a new identity for the team.

Before swallowing that, take note of these remarks from a Disney official: “The new uniform is all about creating a new identity for the club. . . . We’re also trying to reinforce that this is a new era for the Angels.”

That was said way, way back in 1997, the last time uniforms were changed.

Do you remember that bygone era? Don’t feel bad if you don’t. That was before Troy Glaus joined the team.

Eras apparently come and go a lot faster than they used to. Today marks the team’s “red” era. This follows the “periwinkle” era.

Who’s calling the shots here? Picasso?

You may be thinking I’m a bad sport about all this.

Far from it. I’m just a baseball fan who prefers to associate his “eras” with pennants and World Series appearances, rather than apparel.

My baseball heart happens to be with the Pittsburgh Pirates, an attachment made 40-odd years ago. I like the Angels, though, and root for them. Like all fans, I fancy myself a baseball expert.

In that spirit, I remind the locals that the Pirates added red to their caps and logos before the 1997 season. In seasons since, the Pirates have lost 83, 93, 83, 93 and 100 games.

And I thought the caps would make a difference. . . .

The point is, the Angels have credibility problems with the fans. Attendance has steadily dropped in recent years--even with the lure of the Rally Monkey showing up.

Disney management knows that changing the colors won’t change the mood. My question is: Do they know what will change it?

A winning team would help. The Angels could wear pink and yellow uniforms and nobody would mind if Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling were in the pitching rotation.

They’re not available, but Disney hasn’t shown much interest in playing the big-money game to acquire free-agent talent. I don’t condemn them for that, but when they settle for lesser mortals, their baseball savvy has been sorely lacking. You can’t blame the fans for not appreciating duds.

There’s another part of running a baseball team that, strangely enough, has nothing to do with players. If only Disney knew that.

The San Diego Padres (a crummy team that outdraws the Angels) promote an occasional Monday night game in which all available seats go for $5. You can park for a buck and buy a hot dog for a dollar too.

That’s how you maintain a fan base.

You also do it with concessionaires who--how to put this nicely--at least act like they want to serve you quickly. I’ve missed entire innings of Angels games due to the lethargic pace of behind-the-counter people, whose motto seems to be “Don’t worry, there’s another game tomorrow night.”

So yippee for Red Dawn day in Orange County. I’d rather have the promise of more speed in the lineup or the concession line, but if clothes make the man, maybe they can make a team too.

But forgive me if I don’t commit heart and soul to this new era.

Know why? Here’s the rest of what that same Disney official said in 1997: “This uniform will last as long as it is making the statement the team wants to make.”

That sense of sentimentality and tradition just makes you want to rush out and renew those season tickets, doesn’t it?

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Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Readers may reach Parsons by calling (714) 966-7821; by writing to him at The Times’ Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; or by e-mail at dana.parsons@latimes.com.

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Parsons: This is the start of a new era in Angels baseball. Sort of. B3