Garrett AndersonMultitalented outfielder who became Los Angeles Angels“The leader of a successful career and the leader who led the team to its only World Series title in 2002 has died at the age of 53,” the team announced Friday.
No cause of death was given.
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 following his playing career.
“The Angels organization is mourning the passing of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garrett Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garrett was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his steadfast presence in the outfield and in our clubhouse led the Angels to an era of sustained success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series Championship.
“Garrett will always hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”
The Angels said they would honor Anderson by placing a commemorative patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season. There will also be a moment of silence and a video tribute before Friday’s game.
“Garrett Anderson was a huge part of Angels history and inspired many of us who wear this uniform,” mike trout wrote on social media. “Keeping his family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Anderson holds several franchise records, including games played (2,013), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), grand slams (8) and RBI (1,292). He is also second in terms of scoring runs (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 than Anderson in Angels history.
In 2002, Anderson batted .306 and drove in a team-leading 123 runs scored for the then-Anaheim Angels, who won 99 games and earned a wild-card playoff berth. The Halos reached the franchise’s only championship via the playoffs, overcoming a 3–2 series deficit to Barry Bonds. san francisco giants To win the World Series.
Anderson was a major factor in the Fall Classic, batting 9 for 32 with six RBI. He scored the last 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 RBI. His final two seasons were spent with atlanta braves And los angeles dodgersRespectively.
Anderson was born on June 30, 1972 in Los Angeles. Engels said Anderson is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters Brynn and Bailey and son Garrett “Trey” Anderson III.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
