Garret Anderson, the former Los Angeles Angels outfielder, has died at the age of 53. He was the Angels’ career hits leader. Anderson led the team to their only World Series title in 2002.
Anderson’s Death and Legacy
Anderson died of a heart attack. His wife, Teresa, told ESPN’s Michael Eaves about his passing.
Angels owner Arte Moreno released a statement. He said that the Angels organisation is mourning the loss of one of their franchise’s most beloved icons. Moreno added that Anderson was a cornerstone of the organisation throughout his 15 seasons. He also highlighted Anderson’s stoic presence and the team’s continued success, including the 2002 World Series championship.
Moreno stated that Anderson will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans. This was due to his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career. He also noted Anderson’s admiration and respect for the game.
Tributes to the Angels Legend
Mike Trout called Anderson’s death devastating. He noted that Anderson was “the guy” when Trout was first drafted. Trout added that he had seen Anderson around the ballpark and hung out with him a little outside the park.
Trout spoke to teammates who played with Anderson. He heard only great things about him. Trout said he didn’t hear anything bad about Anderson.
Tim Salmon described Anderson’s death as devastating. He said that Anderson was like a brother to him. Salmon also said that Anderson didn’t have an angry bone in his body and was super humble. He noted that everybody loved him and that he had an infectious smile. Salmon stated that fans may not have seen that on the field, but those who knew him knew he was a fun-loving guy.
Honouring Anderson
The Angels announced they would honour 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.
Anderson’s Achievements with the Angels
Anderson played 15 of his 17 major league seasons with the franchise. He entered the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994, after being drafted in the fourth round in 1990. He is a member of the team’s hall of fame.
Anderson finished fourth in American League MVP voting during the 2002 championship season. He was a three-time All-Star selection, including MVP and Home Run Derby champion in 2003. He also served as a television analyst for Angels broadcasts after his playing career.
- Anderson holds many franchise records, including games played (2,013).
- He also holds records for total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), grand slams (8) and RBIs (1,292).
- He is 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.
2002 Championship Season
In 2002, Anderson batted .306 and drove in a team-leading 123 runs for the then-Anaheim Angels. The team won 99 games and earned a wild-card playoff berth. The Halos won the franchise’s only championship.