This day in Angels history: A statue for Gene Autry

Gene Autry has been immortalized all over the world, with the longtime recording artist and actor having not one, not two, not three, not four, but five different stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He even has a city named after him in Oklahoma.

The original owner of the Angels is also honored outside Angel Stadium in Anaheim with a statue of his likeness that was dedicated on this day (April 1) in 1998. The statue, which is located just inside Gate 2 at the Big A, even includes replicas of Autry’s five Hollywood Walk of Fame stars at the base of his Angels statue.

Here is the inscription on the Autry statue at Angel Stadium:

GENE AUTRY - Founder of California Angels, 1961. His uniform number 26 was retired in 1982 by the players.

Singing Cowboy. Actor. Composer. Air Force Pilot. Entrepreneur. Baseball Fan. Philanthropist. 88th Degree Mason. Best Friend.