MLB.com

October 16, 2007

Angels new GM a family man
Reagins comes from a close family in Southern California
By Lyle Spencer / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- As Tony Reagins was being introduced as the Angels' 10th general manager on Tuesday at Angel Stadium, a distinguished gentleman stood near the podium, beaming.

Big brother was watching, taking it all in with the knowledge that he'd done his work well.

"I feel like a proud father," Danny Reagins said. "I look at him as a finished product. I just see success for him. He's going to get in there and work hard, and we're going to be there to support him."

They were raised together in Indio, Calif., about two hours east of Angel Stadium. Their mother, Polly, worked long hours as a housekeeper to keep her children housed, clothed and fed after her husband died when Tony was 4 years old.

Stepping into dual roles, big brother Danny showed young Tony how to act, how to behave. For insight into Tony's character, there's no better source than the Reagins who led the way every step.

"He was never any trouble," Danny said. "He was a good kid, and now he's a good man."

One thing we found out about the new Angels' GM is that he won't be giving away any organization secrets.

After seeing on TV Monday night that Bill Stoneman, the club's GM for eight seasons, was stepping down and that his brother could be the replacement, Danny gave Tony a call.

"He wouldn't tell me," Danny said, grinning. "He's a good company man."

Another thing we learned about Tony Reagins is that he's modest. Danny, four years older than Tony, described his kid brother with visible pride as "an all-CIF tailback at Indio High School -- No. 6. You can go back and read all the clippings."

Moments later, surrounded by reporters, Tony had a less exciting version of his sports background.

He said he played American Legion baseball in Indio but not in high school, where, by his description, he was a "pretty good football player."

"He was tough," Danny said. "Still is."

After leaving Indio, big brother took little brother into his homes in Anaheim and Diamond Bar and cared for him right up until the time big brother got married in 1999. Tony, a Cal State Fullerton graduate in marketing, was working his way up the organizational ladder with the Angels by then.

Their mother died in June 2002 -- the same year Tony was promoted to director of player development. And the same year, four months after Polly's death, that the Angels won a World Series.

Thanking those who meant the most to him on Tuesday, Tony referred to his parents, his sisters (one of whom died in 2000 at age 42), his brother, and wife Colleen and their daughter, Kennedy.

"This is what I live for," Tony Reagins said. "This is my family."

Growing up in Indio, the Boys' Club and church kept the Reagins kids on the straight and narrow, Danny said. Their mother's work ethic also left a major impression.

"She was up early, home late -- in time for dinner," Danny said. "What kept us out of trouble was the Boys' Club. They kept us busy. We played everything. Tony was actually a pretty good two-guard in basketball. He could shoot it. I was a defender.

"I took a fathership role pretty early. We lost our father when we were young. Tony was like he is now. We lived in a small three-bedroom home. Our sisters and us, we shared bedrooms.

"We played Wiffle ball for hours in a big backyard. It was a very, very happy childhood. And our mother kept us in church. We were God-fearing kids."

Both club owner Arte Moreno and Stoneman referred to Reagins' people skills, his ability to communicate effectively.

Back home in Indio, they know all about that.

"I told him if he wasn't in baseball," Danny said, "he'd be mayor of Indio. He'd probably win in a landslide.

"I'll tell you what. The people in Indio are very happy right now."