BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Autry Wouldn’t Overrule Firing

Despite his personal regard for Mike Port, Angel owner Gene Autry said he couldn’t overrule club President Richard Brown’s decision to fire Port as general manager last Tuesday.

In his first public comments on Port’s dismissal, Autry said he called Port after the move was made but was unwilling to interfere with Brown’s decision.

“That’s what you’ve got people there for,” Autry said. “I don’t like to go over anybody’s head. If you do that, then every player who wants a raise of $10 is going to say, ‘Well, I’ll talk to Gene.’ ”

Autry said he has always preferred that policy, although it cost the Angels the services of Nolan Ryan after the 1979 season.

“He (Ryan) is a fine man, but his agent and Buzzie (Bavasi) couldn’t see eye to eye,” Autry said.

“Every time he pitches a no-hitter, I call (Bavasi) about three times.”

Jimmie Reese, idle since spring training by phlebitis in his left leg, hopes to resume his fungo-hitting duties on the Angels’ next home stand. Reese, 86, missed most of the 1990 season after experiencing heart problems.

“I’m getting along much better,” said Reese, who visited the clubhouse Monday in street clothes.

First baseman Wally Joyner, taping station identification messages for KMPC, invented his own lead-ins for the messages. Instead of the usual three-two-one countdown, Joyner’s introduction was, “This is Wally Joyner and you can use these IDs until I become a free agent. Not to be used after Oct. 25.”

Joyner will be eligible for free agency after the season. The free-agent filing period begins 15 days after the World Series ends. . . . A case of flu sent first base coach Bruce Hines home before Monday’s game. Hitting instructor Deron Johnson replaced him.