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Former MLB outfielder Garret Anderson died of “acute necrotizing pancreatitis,” according to local reports citing the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.
THE Los Angeles Angels announced that the former star outfielder died last week at the age of 53.
“Acute necrotizing pancreatitis” is a condition in which part of the pancreas dies, according to Cedars-Sinai. The California Post reported that his death was ruled natural. The California Post reported that his death was ruled natural.
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Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson swings on a pitch during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, April 8, 2007. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
A three-time All-Star, Anderson is in the conversation for greatest Angel in franchise history, closing in on the top of the leaderboard in many statistics.
“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond,” the team said in a social media post. “We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Anderson family.”
A call was made for “medical help” to Anderson’s home early in the afternoon of April 16 after Anderson suffered a medical emergency. The Angels announced his death the next day.
Anaheim Angels’ Garret Anderson hits a three-run double against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning of Game 7 of the World Series in Anaheim, California, October 27, 2002. (Jeff Haynes/AFP)
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Anderson made his MLB debut with the California Angels in 1994 before becoming a real threat in the early 2000s. From 2002 to 2005, Anderson was named to his three All-Star Games, leading the majors with 56 doubles in 2002 and the American League in that same category with 49 the following season.
He is the franchise leader in hits, RBIs, doubles and games played. His .296 average with the team is also third highest behind Vladimir Guerrero and Rod Carew, and he is second in points with 1,024, trailing only Mike Trout.
Perhaps the biggest hit of his career was his three-run double in Game 7 of that World Series, which made it 4-1 for the Angels in the bottom of the third inning. This score would be the final.
Former Los Angeles Angels player Garret Anderson greets spectators before his induction into the Angels Hall of Fame at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on August 20, 2016. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
Anderson was named a Silver Slugger twice and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
