Former Angels star Garret Anderson dies at 53

Garret Anderson, one of the greatest players in California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels history, has passed away at just the age of 53, the team announced on Friday.

During his 17-year tenure with the franchise, the LA native helped the Halos enjoy what is still their most successful stretch in their 65-year existence. He was the consistent star the organization needed to finally reach the sport’s apex.

Anderson notched the difference-making hit that lifted the Angels to their first-ever and currently only World Series championship in 2002 — a three-RBI double down the right field line versus the San Francisco Giants in Game 7 — but he is more than just one magnificent moment.

During his time in Anaheim, the starting left fielder batted .296 with a .327 on-base percentage, .469 slugging percentage and .796 OPS while earning two Silver Slugger Awards and three All-Star selections. He is the squad’s all-time leader in hits (2,368), doubles (489), total bases (3,743), RBIs (1,292) and games played (2,013). The Angels should be forever grateful to No. 16.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson,” the team posted on X. “Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Anderson family.”

Garret Anderson deserves his flowers

The 1995 Rookie of the Year runner-up played his final two MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively, but he will always be an Angel. Unfortunately, Anderson is arguably one of the most underappreciated talents of his time.

He did not have the big personality or 50-homer seasons that often bedazzles fans, nor did he produce the eye-popping WAR and OPS+ numbers that galvanize the new-age analytics people. But he was a rock-solid presence in the Angels’ lineup for more than a decade and a half.

Anderson batted .285 or better and recorded 33-plus doubles while playing at least 150 games in eight consecutive seasons. When people wrote him off in favor of more prominent sluggers like Albert Pujols, Carlos Delgado, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield, the 6-foot-3 left-handed hitter won the 2003 Home Run Derby. He claimed All-Star Game MVP honors a day later.

During an August game against the New York Yankees in 2007, the then-35-year-old posted an outstanding 10 RBIs. When Father Time was supposed to be on his tail, this man proved he did not age like most players.

In many ways, Garret Anderson typified what it meant to compete for one of baseball’s most overlooked franchises. He represented the Angels through all three iterations and did so without clamoring for the spotlight. At the risk of sounding trite, he was “a professional ballplayer.” But he was so much more to those who knew him most.

Our prayers are with the Anderson family during this devastating time. Rest In Peace GA.

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