November 20th 1996 OC Register

 As construction workers tore out Anaheim Stadium seats outside, Walt Disney Co. officials Tuesday unveiled the symbol they hoped would signal a new era for Angels baseball.

Along with a new name _ the Anaheim Angels _ comes a new logo, with an angel wing and bats crossed behind home plate. It is the sixth logo in the club's 36-year history.

Mayor Tom Daly and other city officials beamed with pride at seeing the city name on a symbol. But Disney artists, who also designed the marketable mask of the Mighty Ducks, say they felt pinched this time. "It's not revolutionary," admitted Tim McMillin, director of new-business development for Disney Consumer Products.

McMillin, who oversaw the logo project, was sporting a tie with an enormous rendering of Donald Duck. "We recognized we were restrained by the traditions of baseball," he said.

About 100 Disney artists produced 200 drawings at imagineering offices in Burbank. Two ideas that bit the dust: a naked cherub with Angels wings and an "ominous and fierce" angel.

Disney nixed scores of ideas they thought would not fly with Major League Baseball, which must approve a new logo. Disney will unveil a mascot and uniforms later. "This is more of a challenge," said Disney Sports President Tony Tavares. "With the Ducks, you go out and design a logo and you don't have to worry about offending anybody."

Angels hats and sweatshirts went on sale Tuesday at the Pond and Disney outlets. Price for a sweatshirt: $60.