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Former MLB Player Garret Anderson Dies at Age 53

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Former MLB Star Garret Anderson Dies at 53

The Los Angeles Angels announced the death of longtime outfielder Garret Anderson, a "beloved icon" and member of their 2002 World Series championship team.

Former Major League Baseball player Garret Anderson, a longtime outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels and a member of their 2002 World Series championship team, has died. He was 53 years old.

Death and Announcement

Garret Anderson died on Friday, according to announcements from the Los Angeles Angels organization and multiple media reports. The cause of death was reported as a heart attack by The Athletic and other outlets. The Angels announced his death but did not initially disclose the cause or location.

Career Overview

Anderson played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1994 to 2010. He spent 15 of those seasons with the Los Angeles Angels (1994-2008), followed by one season each with the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His career accomplishments include:

  • A .293 career batting average, 2,529 hits, 287 home runs, and 1,365 runs batted in.
  • Three American League All-Star selections (2002, 2003, 2005).
  • Two Silver Slugger awards.
  • Winning the 2003 All-Star Game Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game MVP award that year.

Angels Franchise Records and 2002 World Series

Anderson holds numerous Los Angeles Angels franchise records, including:

  • Games played (2,013)
  • Hits (2,368)
  • Runs batted in (1,292)
  • Total bases (3,743)
  • Doubles (489)
  • Extra-base hits (796)

He was a central figure on the Angels team that won the 2002 World Series. In Game 7 of the series, Anderson hit a tiebreaking three-run double. During the entire 2002 postseason, he batted .300. He finished fourth in American League Most Valuable Player voting that season. Anderson was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2016.

Statements and Tributes

The Los Angeles Angels organization issued a statement expressing deep sadness and calling Anderson a "beloved icon" and a "cornerstone of our organization." Owner Arte Moreno stated Anderson's "stoic presence... elevated the Angels into an era of continued success."

Former teammates and associates shared their recollections:

  • Former teammate Tim Salmon described Anderson as a "calming force" in the clubhouse.
  • Former teammate Darin Erstad said Anderson was one of the smartest players in baseball.
  • Former high school baseball coach Manny Alvarado said Anderson was "very humble."
  • Current Angels player Mike Trout stated, "The baseball family lost a good one."

Personal Background and Survivors

Garret Joseph Anderson was born in Los Angeles on June 30, 1972. He attended Granada Hills Kennedy High School and was drafted by the Angels in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB draft. After retiring as a player, he worked as a television analyst for Angels broadcasts.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; daughters Brianne and Bailey; and son Garret "Trey" Anderson III.

Memorials

The Angels organization announced several memorials:

  • The team will wear a jersey patch with Anderson's initials, "GA," for the remainder of the season.
  • A moment of silence was observed and a tribute video was played before a game at Angel Stadium.
  • The grounds crew cut Anderson's initials into the center-field grass, and his jersey number, 16, was displayed on the outfield wall.
  • Fans placed flowers and notes outside the stadium gates.