News / People
Sparky Anderson Dies at Age 76
Anderson was a 3-time World Series champion and 2-time American League Manager of the Year at the time of his retirement from the MLB in 1995. With 2,194 wins to his name, Sparky retired 3rd all-time on the managerial wins list; he currently still ranks 6th on that list. According to the Associated Press, "Anderson was the first manager to win World Series titles in both leagues and the only manager to lead two franchises in career wins."
Anderson is perhaps best remembered for having headed the legendary "Big Red Machine" Cincinnati Reds lineup in the 1970's. He led such baseball greats as Pete Rose, Tony Perez, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan to 5 NL Western Division titles, 4 NL Pennants, and 2 World Series titles. Anderson also served as a manger for the Detroit Tigers for several years before retiring.
''Sparky was, by far, the best manager I ever played for,'' said Reds legend Pete Rose. ''He understood people better than anyone I ever met. His players loved him, he loved his players, and he loved the game of baseball. There isn't another person in baseball like Sparky Anderson. He gave his whole life to the game.''
''He was a good guy,'' said former Tigers pitcher Jack Morris. ''Baseball will have very few people like Sparky. He was a unique individual. He was a character with a great passion and love for the game.''
Anderson was known for his talkative and likable personality. He was a favorite not only among players but also among fans and other league officials.
''I recall with great fondness the many hours we would spend together when his Tigers came to Milwaukee,'' said baseball commissioner Bud Selig. ''Sparky was a loyal friend, and whenever I would be dealing with difficult situations as commissioner, he would lift my spirits, telling me to keep my head up and that I was doing the right thing.''
(Sources: Associated Press)
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