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The Los Angeles Angels announced that their former star outfielder Garret Anderson has died at the age of 53.
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.”
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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 made his MLB debut with the California Angels in 1994 and finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting the following season. He earned his first All-Star nomination in 2002, the same year as the Angels’ only title.
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. That 2002 season was his best, as he hit .304 with an .871 OPS to finish fourth in AL MVP voting behind Miguel Tejada, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano.
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 remained with the Angels through the 2008 season before spending the 2009 season with the Atlanta Braves. He returned to Southern California in 2010 but with the Dodgers.
Anderson was a career .293 hitter with a .785 OPS during his 17-year career. He accumulated 2,529 hits, 287 home runs and 1,365 RBIs. He recorded at least one hit in every game of their seven-game win over the San Francisco Giants and hit .300 throughout those postseasons.
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.
He won the Home Run Derby in 2003 and was named Most Valuable Player of that midsummer classic. 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, behind only Mike Trout.
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)
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Anderson was named a Silver Slugger twice and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
