Angels Legend Garret Anderson, World Series Champion, Dies at 53
Garret Anderson, the quiet power hitter who became one of the most decorated players in Los Angeles Angels history, died on Thursday at the age of 53. The team confirmed the news on Friday. No cause of death has been announced.
Anderson spent 15 of his 17 major-league seasons with the Angels. He emerged as a franchise cornerstone after the club drafted him in the fourth round in 1990. He made his debut in 1994 and retired in 2011. During that time, he set franchise records that still stand today.
Garret Angels’ Franchise Record Holder
Anderson holds the Angels’ all-time marks in several key categories. These include games played with 2,013, hits with 2,368 and runs batted in with 1,292. He also leads the club in doubles with 489, total bases with 3,743, extra-base hits with 796 and grand slams with eight.
This consistency defined his career. However, he never sought the spotlight. Instead, he let his bat do the talking. Fans and teammates respected that approach.
Garret Anderson a World Series Hero and All-Star Honors
Anderson played a vital role in the Angels’ only World Series title. That came in 2002 against the San Francisco Giants. He went 9 for 32 in the series and drove in six runs. In Game 7, he delivered a three-run double that helped secure the 4-1 victory.
The left fielder earned three All-Star selections. He also won two Silver Slugger Awards. In 2003, he claimed the Home Run Derby title and earned All-Star Game MVP honors.
One of his most memorable single-game feats came on Aug. 21, 2007. Anderson drove in 10 runs against the New York Yankees. Only 16 players in major-league history have matched that total in one game.
Tributes From the Angels Organization
The Angels organization described Anderson as one of its most beloved icons. Owner Arte Moreno issued a statement on Friday. “The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Moreno said. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons.”
The club will honor Anderson during its current homestand against the San Diego Padres. Players will wear a memorial patch on their jerseys starting Friday. A moment of silence and a special video tribute are also planned before the game.
Anderson is survived by his wife, Teresa, and their three children: daughters Brianne and Bailey, and son Garret “Trey” Anderson III. The baseball world has lost a steady presence. Yet his records and the 2002 championship will keep his legacy alive for Angels fans.
Web Resources on Garret Anderson death at 53
1. USAtoday.com : Angels announce death of MLB legend Garret Anderson at age 53
2. NYpost.com : Garret Anderson, Angels’ World Series champ, dead at 53
3. DailyMail : World Series winner and MLB great Garret Anderson dead at 53