Sparky Anderson 1934-2010
George Lee “Sparky” Anderson, a MLB Hall of Fame manager who won World Series titles in both leagues, has died at the age of 76 from dementia related complications. His death came just one day after he was placed into hospice care in Thousand Oaks, California.
Sparky had the right touch with superstars, leading the star-studded Reds to World Series wins in 1975-76. He won four National League pennants in Cincinnati from 1970-78, but was ultimately fired by the Reds after consecutive second-place finishes.
Anderson went on to the American League and lead the Detroit Tigers from 1979-1995, adding a 1984 World Series championship and a division title in 1987 to his string of victories.
Sparky, who racked up 2,194 wins as a manager, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a manager in 2000. He was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame the same year and was elected to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; sons Lee and Albert; a daughter Shirley; and nine grandchildren.
Check out the ESPN tribute below: