America's Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry starred in 97 films. He was the founding owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 1960. He sold controlling interest in the team in 1995 to Disney.

Some of the landmarks named for Gene Autry include the town of Gene Autry, Oklahoma, Gene Autry Theater in Los Angeles, a street outside the Angels' ballpark, Gene Autry Way, and Gene Autry Park in Mesa, Arizona, spring training home of the club.

The Angels have retired #26 for their founding owner.