Angel First Baseman Mo Vaughn visits Disneyland
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June 25, 1999

Baseball fans lined Main Street at Disneyland to catch a glimpse of Anaheim Angels first baseman Mo Vaughn. He was riding in the Horseless Carriage along with Mickey Mouse. They were followed by small motor car that carried kids from the Gene Autry RBI League along with Chip & Dale. Bringing up the rear was the omnibus filled to capacity with more representatives of the 28 local Orange County RBI teams with Goofy riding in the upper deck.

The parade ended at the front of the soon to be renamed Disney Showcase. There was a small stage decorated in red, white & blue and a jersey bearing the number and the name Vaughn was also on display.

Joltin’ Joe the biggest Angel fan in the world was on hand to begin the ceremony. He excitedly reported that "Mo Vaughn was in the Park!" Covered head to toe in Angels memorabilia including a seat cushion attached to the appropriate part of his body, Joe announced that Disneyland would donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of select Anaheim Angels collectible items autographed by Mo Vaughn to the RBI League. The Dapper Dans introduced the next speaker, Cynthia Harriss, Executive Vice-President of Disneyland, in their superb four-part harmony.

Ms. Harriss described the guest of honor Mo Vaughn as one "who besides being great on the field is equally heroic off the field in his support of the community." One of the organizations he has dedicated himself to is the Gene Autry RBI League. In this case RBI stands for Reviving Baseball in the Inner cities and is an organization dedicated to promoting youth sports. Representatives from the 28 local Orange County teams were on hand, their colored teams jerseys were speckled throughout the crowd that had gathered for the ceremony. Mo Vaughn was presented with a certificate that named him Honorary Citizen of Disneyland for recognition of his support for the RBI League. Mo has dedicated $100 for each of his RBIs this season.

Four part harmonies filled the air again as the Dapper Dans introduced Mo Vaughn, "the MVP of Philanthropy." Vaughn stressed the need to have a plan and to approach it with a positive attitude in order to secure success. He encouraged the kids to work hard and focus on their goal, finish school and look toward college. He advised them to know their friends and to make sure that they are not being lead down the wrong path by their peers. He concluded his remarks by encouraging them and expressing his confidence that they can do all those things.

Ms. Harriss requested Vaughn sign the jersey he was donating to the new Sports shop. To conclude this baseball themed event Joltin’ Joe lead the crowd along with the Dapper Dans in a chorus of Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Mo then stayed to autograph items for eager fans.

- Story and photographs by Rebekah Moseley