Garret Anderson, the talented outfielder and Angels career hits leader, dies at 53 - AP News

Former Angels outfielder Garret Anderson has died. He was 53. The multitalented player became the Angels' career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title. The Angels announced Anderson’s death without immediately disclosing the cause or location. Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder. He was a fixture in the heart of their batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise's leader in hits, RBIs and games played among many other achievements. Anderson was a three-time AL...

Garret Anderson, the talented outfielder and Angels career hits leader, dies at 53

Los Angeles Angels’ Garret Anderson watches the ball after hitting a two-run homer against the Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Friday, July 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Mark Avery, File)

Anaheim Angels’ Garret Anderson, who hit the game winning, three-run double, runs with the World Series Championship trophy after the Angels beat the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 of baseball’s World Series in Anaheim, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

Former Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson throws the ceremonial first pitch after he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame during ceremonies before a baseball game between the Angels and the New York Yankees in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels’ career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title, has died. He was 53.

The Angels announced Anderson’s death Friday morning without immediately disclosing the cause or location.

Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder. Known for both his superb swing and his no-nonsense professionalism, Anderson was a fixture in the heart of the Halos’ batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise’s career leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBIs (1,292), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489) and grand slams (eight).

“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons, and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship. Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”

The Angels will wear a memorial patch this season bearing Anderson’s initials, the team announced. The club held a moment of silence for Anderson at Angel Stadium before its game against the San Diego Padres, and both teams lined up on the field to watch a video of Anderson’s career highlights.

“Been talking to teammates that played with him this morning, and just hearing the great things they said about him,” three-time AL MVP Mike Trout said. “Seeing some of the numbers this morning, it was incredible what he brought. Nothing but great things people were saying about him. The baseball family lost a good one.”

Anderson was a three-time AL All-Star who finished as high as fourth in the AL MVP balloting during his 17-year major league career. He won two Silver Slugger awards, and he memorably won both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game MVP award in 2003 in Chicago.

His 272 career homers are third in Angels history behind Trout and Tim Salmon. Only Trout has scored more runs in an Angels uniform than Anderson.

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