Arte Moreno was born on August 14, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up in a large family, being the eldest of 11 children born to Mary and Arturo Ricardo Moreno. After graduating from high school, he decided to join the military and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he pursued a Marketing degree from the University of Arizona, which he earned in 1985.
Arte Moreno's career in the business world started when he founded Outdoor Systems, a billboard advertising company. His company quickly grew and caught the attention of Infinity Broadcasting, which acquired Outdoor Systems for $8 billion in 1996. This massive success allowed Moreno to venture into the world of sports ownership.
In 2003, Arte Moreno made history by becoming the first Mexican-American to own a major U.S. professional sports team. He purchased the Anaheim Angels baseball organization from the Walt Disney Company. However, his ownership of the team was not without controversy. In 2005, Moreno faced criticism from fans and city officials when he decided to rename the team the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Arte Moreno has been married twice and has children named Bryan, Rico, and Nikki. Despite his success in the business world, Moreno has always made family a priority in his life. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, giving back to his community and supporting causes that are important to him.
Arte Moreno's impact on the world of sports ownership cannot be understated. By breaking barriers as a Mexican-American owner of a major sports team, he has inspired a new generation of diverse owners in the professional sports world. His determination, business acumen, and dedication to his family serve as a model for aspiring entrepreneurs and sports executives alike.
Arte Moreno is often compared to actor Gene Autry, who also owned the Angels franchise. While their approaches to team ownership may have differed, both men left a lasting legacy on one of the most storied teams in baseball history.