Arte Moreno Pinpoints ‘Seller’s Remorse’ As Main Reason Why He Didn’t Sell Angels
Amidst a disappointing season that saw the Angels get off to a hot start but fail to capitalize, owner Arte Moreno revealed plans to sell the team out of the blue. Despite this news catching many fans off guard, they were also relieved as many felt the team would prosper under better ownership.
More than decided to bust a complete 180 and disregard previous intentions to give his title to another person. He wasn't able to bring himself to get the deal done despite having more than enough suitors. Many speculated he wants to be around to see what comes of the Shohei Ohtani era or that the 76-year-old wasn't happy with the dollar signs offered to him.
However, we have received information from the man himself on what drew him to stick around with the Halos. In an interview provided by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, Moreno finally came clean on why he got cold feet during the negation period.
"I couldn't do it," said Moreno. "In my heart, I just couldn't go through with it. It was more circumstantial than it was a change of heart, yes. It wasn't a change of heart. I'll never fall out of love with baseball. That is true until the day I die. I'll never fall out of love with baseball."
Moreno knew he would regret it over time if he allowed someone else to claim the rights to the Angels as he was too invested in the game of baseball. He would postpone and lag conversations with those who were interested so he could give the potential sale further thought.
Being the first Mexican-American to own a major sports team, Moreno realized he was in this position for a reason. Even when he was near closing the deal, he was doing his best to at least own a small chunk of the franchise still.
"I was looking to hold a piece of the deal,” said Moreno. “That's what I wanted to do. What position? Five to 10% is what I was thinking.”
Moreno's love for the Angels, the city of Los Angeles, and the game of baseball reigned superior in the end and the squad still has his name on it.
