ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A computer programmer for the Anaheim Angels who solicited bids for his World Series championship ring on eBay has resigned, a team spokesman said.

Phil Alger, 39, was suspended last week pending an investigation into whether he violated company policy by releasing confidential information in his auction listing. His computer passwords were blocked and his company equipment seized. Alger said he resigned soon after, fearing that he would be fired.

The Angels gave players rings appraised at $15,000 each and gave hundreds of employees rings worth about $10,000 each, team vice president Tim Mead said. The Angels required each employee to sign a pledge not to sell his or her ring, although Alger departed before those documents -- and the rings -- were distributed.

Alger listed his ring for sale on eBay late last month, with a picture of a ring but he did not reveal his name. Several curious fans, doubting the authenticity of the ring, called the Angels front office and asked questions. Team officials then launched an investigation.

Alger said he identified himself as the potential seller to Angels officials, then withdrew the listing. He also said no one had told him the ring pictures were confidential or that he would have to agree in writing not to sell his ring before receiving it.

Alger worked for the Angels and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, both owned by The Walt Disney Co., for the last five years, earning $60,000 a year. Alger said the money he could have received for the ring would have gone toward a new home.

I love the Angels. I still do," Alger told the Los Angeles Times. "I love the ring too, but if I could have gotten $20,000 or $30,000 for it, I would have rather used that money for a down payment on a home."

Mead said he couldn't talk about personnel matters, beyond confirming that Alger had not been fired but had been put under investigatory suspension" before his resignation.