Sparky Anderson Dies at 76

Beloved baseball manager, Sparky Anderson, died today due to complications from dementia. He was 76-years-old. Sparky Anderson is a name that every Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds fan remembers fondly. He led the Reds to back-to-back World Series victories in 1975 and 1976 and helped the Tigers win a championship in 1984.

Anderson was perhaps best known for his determination and dedication to the game. He was not afraid to go on the mound and change pitchers, which gave him the nickname "Caption Hook." He knew what was best for the team and this is why fans loved him.

He managed Cincinnati's “Big Red Machine," which during its era (1970-76), was regarded as the best in baseball. The Reds seemed unstoppable. Anderson's management of the Reds resulted in five National League Western Division titles, four National League pennants and two World Series.

Anderson could have chosen to finish his career in Cincinnati but decided that the Detroit Tigers was worth managing. In 1979, Anderson was named the new manager for the Tigers and the team was headed for a historic run. The Tigers stats were improving, but they did not get to the playoffs until 1983. Although the Tigers lost to the Baltimore Orioles in 1983, they learned from their mistakes and won a World Series the following year.

Tigers fans to this day still remember that season.

The Detroit Tigers of 1984 is widely regarded as their best team. They started that season 35-5, which is a major league record. Anderson efforts did not go unnoticed by the league. He won Manager of the Year. The following year, he led the team to the majors best record in 1987, which earned him another Manager of the Year award.

During the end of his career in the the 1990's, the Tigers were on the decline. They were near the bottom, but fans still cheered them on. In 1995, Anderson decided to retire and was elected in the Hall of Fame in 2000. He showed both class and respect, as he decided not to wear his Tigers cap to his induction, but instead wore a Red's cap, in respect to his former GM Bob Howsam, who gave Anderson a chance to coach. 

Anderson reminded fans why the game was played. He was everything that baseball was supposed to be. He was old school and fans loved that. He was a man who took charge, always gave a smile and was loyal to his team and the fans.