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The Los Angeles Angels announced that their former star outfielder Garret Anderson has passed away at the age of 53.
Anderson, a three-time All-Star, is in the conversation for the best Angel in franchise history, nearing the top of the rankings in many stats.
“Garret will always have 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 nod in 2002, the same year the Angels won their 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 American League MVP voting behind Miguel Tejada, Alex RodrÃguez and Alfonso Soriano.
Anaheim Angels Garret Anderson hits a three-run double against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning of game seven of the World Series in Anaheim, California, on 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 hit .293 with a .785 OPS in his 17-year career. He accumulated 2,529 hits, 287 home runs and 1,365 RBIs. He had at least one hit in each game of their seven-game victory in the Fall Classic against the San Francisco Giants and hit .300 throughout that postseason.
Perhaps the biggest hit of his career was his three-run double in Game 7 of that World Series, which made the score 4-1 Angels in the bottom of the third inning. That marker would be the definitive one.
He won the Home Run Derby in 2003 and was named the Most Valuable Player of that summer classic. He is the franchise leader in hits, RBIs, doubles and games played. His .296 average with the team is also the third highest behind Vladimir Guerrero and Rod Carew, and he is second in runs scored with 1,024, behind only Mike Trout.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson swings a pitch during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on April 8, 2007. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
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Anderson was twice named a Silver Slugger and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
