Hall of Fame Cincinnati Reds & Detroit Tigers manager, George "Sparky" Anderson, passed away today at the age of 76. Anderson was the first manager in Major League Baseball history to win a World Series in each league and was sixth all-time in wins.
Anderson began his managerial career with the Reds in 1970 at the age of 36. He lead the Reds that year to the National League Pennant, with his team winning 102 games. The Reds swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Championship Series, but lost in the World Series, to the Baltimore Orioles in five games. He lead the Big Red Machine to four National League Pennants and back-to-back World Series Championships in 1975 and 1976. He won 863 career games in nine seasons before being fired after the 1978 season. After a great career with the Reds, he moved on to the Detroit Tigers, where my generation remembers him best.
Anderson was hired in June of 1979 by the Tigers, replacing Les Moss. He guided Detroit to a 56-50 record after taking over mid-season. The Tigers finished 5th in a very tough American League East that year, with an overall record of 85-76. That '79 season marked the second full season of the great double play combination of Lou Whitaker & Alan Trammell, the first full season of Jack Morris and Dan Petry, and the debut of Kirk Gibson. After a solid second place finish in 1983 to the eventual World Champion Baltimore Orioles, 1984 turned into a magical year for the Tigers.
Sparky's Bless You Boys of 1984 (as the Tigers were nicknamed), started out 35-5, a mark that still stands as the best 40 game start to a season in MLB history. They lead the AL East wire-to-wire, finishing with a 104-58 record, which is the most wins for a season in franchise history. The Tigers went on to sweep the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series and defeated the San Diego Padres in the World Series. It was the Tigers first World Championship since 1968. The Tigers won the American League East in 1987, but lost in the ALCS to the Minnesota Twins in five games. The Tigers finished no higher than 2nd place (1988, 1991) in his remaining years as their manager. After the strike year of 1994, and heading into the 1995 season, Anderson refused to manage replacement players in Spring Training. After the shortened '95 season, he retired. In his 17 seasons as the Tigers manager, he finished with a 1331-1248 won/loss record.
Anderson managed 26 years overall, compiling 2194 wins, and posting a winning percentage of .545. He won a total of five pennants and three World Championships. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000, by the Veteran's Committee. He was also known for making some outrageous statements when evaluating young talent, like calling Kirk Gibson the next Mickey Mantle or that little known Chris Pitaro would replace Lou Whitaker at second base. He was also given the moniker, Captain Hook, for his propensity to be quick in pulling pitchers. Sparky also was philanthropic, starting CATCH (Caring Athletes Teamed for Childrens and Henry Ford Hospitals) in 1987. It was a charity he was still active in through his retirement and the end of his life.
His big smile, and enthusiasm for the game of baseball will be sorely missed. The game has lost one of its' greatest ambassadors. Rest in peace Sparky Anderson, there will not be another like you ever again.
