Longtime Angels outfielder Garret Anderson dies at 53
Garrett Andersonthe multitalented outfielder who turned the Los Angeles Angels‘ profession hits chief and led the crew to its solely World Series title in 2002, has died at age 53, the Angels introduced.
Anderson died of a coronary heart assault, his spouse, Teresa, informed ESPN’s Michael Eaves.
“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels proprietor Arte Moreno stated in a press release. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.
“Garret will ceaselessly maintain a particular place within the hearts of Angels followers for his professionalism, class and loyalty all through his profession and past. His admiration and respect for the sport was immeasurable.”
Anderson, who entered the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 after being drafted in the fourth round in 1990, played 15 of his 17 major league seasons with the franchise and is a member of the team’s hall of fame. He finished fourth in American League MVP voting during the 2002 championship season, was a three-time All-Star selection — including MVP and Home Run Derby champion in 2003 — and served as a television analyst for Angels broadcasts after his playing career.
The Angels said they would honor Anderson with a memorial patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season. There was a moment of silence prior to Friday’s game.
“When I first obtained drafted, he was the man. Really devastating. Great man,” outfielder Mike Trout he stated. “Seen him across the ballpark, obtained to hang around with him a bit bit outdoors the park. Just robust. Feel for the household.”
He added: “Talking to teammates that performed with him this morning, and simply listening to the nice issues they stated about him. I do not suppose I heard something dangerous about him. Tough day. Tough loss.”
Anderson holds many franchise records, including games played (2,013), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), grand slams (8) and RBIs (1,292). He is also second in runs scored (1,024).
Anderson’s 272 home runs with the franchise are third in Angels history, behind Trout and Tim Salmon. Only Trout has scored more runs in Angels history than Anderson.
“It’s simply devastating,” Salmon said. “It’s about as devastating as something will be in your life. He was like a brother.”
“He did not have an offended bone in his physique, he was tremendous humble. Everybody liked him,” Salmon added. “He had an infectious smile. I do know the followers generally, they did not see that on the sector, however we noticed it behind the scenes and the individuals who know him know — he is a fun-loving man. And that is the half that I knew.”
In 2002, Anderson batted .306 and drove in a team-leading 123 runs for the then-Anaheim Angels, who won 99 games and earned a wild-card playoff berth. The Halos stormed through the playoffs to the franchise’s only championship, overcoming a 3-2 series deficit to Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants to win the World Series.
Anderson was a key factor in the Fall Classic, batting 9-of-32 with six RBIs. He drove in the final three runs of the Series with a tiebreaking three-run double in the third inning of the Angels’ 4-1 victory over the Giants in Game 7.
He had a career batting average of .293 with 287 home runs and 1,365 RBIs. His final two seasons were spent with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgersrespectively.
“He did every little thing proper. It was nothing flashy. He by no means hit a house run. Everything he did was simply skilled,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “When you have got your youngsters enjoying the sport — for me, anyway, that is who I would like my youngsters to mannequin. Just play the sport proper, do issues proper, by no means convey your consideration to your self. And that is the kind of participant he was.
“Baseball really is secondary with things like this. There’s no words that can really describe it. It’s just a sad day for everybody.”
In addition to his spouse Teresa, the Angels stated Anderson is survived by daughters Brianne and Bailey, and son Garret “Trey” Anderson III.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
