Sparky Anderson placed in hospice care

UPI ^

[FlyVet]

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Baseball Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care, suffering from dementia, family members said Wednesday.

Anderson, 76, managed the Cincinnati Reds to World Series wins in 1975 and 1976 guided the Detroit Tigers to a world championship in 1984.

Family spokesman Dan Ewald told the Detroit Free Press Anderson was under care in Thousand Oaks, Calif., and family members wished "to express appreciation to all friends and fans for the support and kindness they have shown throughout Sparky's career and retirement."

His illness is "the type of ailment that takes a toll over time," Ewald said.

George Lee "Sparky" Anderson played only one season in the majors -- for the 1959 Phillies. But he excelled as a manager, running the Reds from 1970-78 and then becoming the Tigers' longest-serving skipper, guiding the team for 17 years from 1979 through 1995.

Renowned as a humble deflector of praise, Anderson was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1984 and 1987. He compiled a 1,331-1,248 with in Detroit, the Free Press noted.

[FlyVet]

I remember his years with the Tigers, a lot of bad years leading up to the 1984 Series. No superstars, no hall of famers, but what a balanced team it was, much like this year's Giants.

There is a 3-page writeup in the Detroit Free Press, can't be posted here. Godspeed, Sparky.

[Artemis Webb]

This is sad.

[Doogle]

Rest easy Sparky,I always enjoyed your interviews. Know that your not alone.

[dfwgator]

That Tigers team was the greatest team ever, that 35-5 start was amazing, they just didn’t lose. Sparky is my all-time favorite manager, even when he was with the Reds.

[Artemis Webb]

This is how I prefer to remember Sparky Anderson.

[FlyVet]

Just a few weeks ago I was looking at that team’s stats. So many good players having great years. Hernandez put up numbers that might never be reached by a closer again. And his setup man Lopez, between the two of them, nearly 160 game appearances and nearly 300 innings. Unreal.

[Vigilanteman]

I watched the Reagan funeral procession from the airport to his final resting place at the library. Mexican laborers came out of the fields to bow and pay their respects. So did ordinary people. Sparky was one of the people along the route which the media interviewed and he gave a great tribute to the Gipper.

Before long, they will be meeting in person. It is sorry for us on earth to see good men go, but don't forget there will be a happy reunion on the other side.

[Ticonderoga34]

Too bad. I remember Sparky as the skipper of the Big Red Machine.

[happyathome]

I remember how every time he went out to the mound to talk to the pitcher (or returned from the mound) he hopped over the 1st base line because he thought it was bad luck to step on the chalk.

[happyathome]

I remember how every time he went out to the mound to talk to the pitcher (or returned from the mound) he hopped over the 1st base line because he thought it was bad luck to step on the chalk.

[happyathome]

I remember how every time he went out to the mound to talk to the pitcher (or returned from the mound) he hopped over the 1st base line because he thought it was bad luck to step on the chalk.

[PGalt]

Thanks for posting. One of the all-time great managers (men) who contributed so many positives to the game of baseball.

I agree...”Godspeed Sparky”.

[Reddy]

A tribute to Sparky:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=458591269524

[wheelgun]

From a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, thanks for everything you gave us, Sparky.

[xp38]

RIP Mr. Anderson http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5764168