Ex-Tigers manager Anderson placed into hospice

AP ^ | November 3, 2010

[ConservativeStatement]

DETROIT — Former Detroit Tigers manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care at his Thousands Oaks, Calif. home for complications resulting from dementia.

Anderson family’s said in a statement Wednesday they appreciate the support and kindness that friends and fans have shown throughout the Hall of Famer’s career and retirement.

[ConservativeStatement]

George Scherger, the Reds’ bench coach, turns 90 this month. During the 1976 World Series, Anderson (who was mic'd) turned to him and said “we're gonna be champs again Sugar Bear” — after I think Bench's home run.

[ConservativeStatement]

I'm pretty sure that episode is on Hulu.

[Rummyfan]

....True, but in 76, they only had to win two series.

Same in 1984. The expanded playoffs weren't established till 1995.

[day10]

Saddens me so much. What memories from my childhood and the Big Red Machine!

I pray God’s blessing and comfort on him and his family.

[llevrok]

Not many players could meet Sparky's quality standards today.

God's speed through these middle innings, Sparky

[Rummyfan]

The 1970s Reds teams were an awesome collection of talent. They won the NL pennant in 1970, 1972, 1975, and 1976, and the World Series in 1975 and 1976. Many would argue that the 1975 Series against the Red Sox is the best of all time. It certainly is among the best! But looking at your posted photo - those guys are all in the Hall of Fame except for Rose, who is not in the HoF for off-the-field issues. And that photo leaves out Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Cesar Geronimo, Don Gullett, etc etc.

[GreenHornet]

I will always remember Sparky Anderson for a really classy move he made in the final game of the 1972 World Series against Oakland. The only player on the Red’s roster who did not get to play in the series was Pat Corrales. The Reds were down to their final out, with Oakland enjoying a comfortable lead. Instead of the scheduled batter, Anderson sent up Pat Corrales as a pinch hitter so that Corrales would be able to say that he had the opportunity to appear in a World Series. May God bless Mr. Anderson.

[ConservativeStatement]

The arm problems of the some of the pitchers from the earlier Reds’ teams is often overlooked. Jim Merritt won 20 games in 1970, was injured in his last regular season appearance (as I recall) and never recovered. He won one game the following year and started something like 0-10...following a 20-win season. And then there's Gary Nolan and Don Gullett both of whom had injuries of their own but had incredible talents.

[ConservativeStatement]

I apologize for correcting but it was the 1970 Series against Baltimore. And yes, I agree, it was a classy tribute.

[Larry Lucido]

Prayers.

[Sam Clements]

I was watching the Red Sox vs the Tigers on TV in what I believe was Kirk Gibson’s first major league game. Wouldn’t you know it, Gibson’s first at bat called for a sacrifice bunt. You could see and the announcers pointed out that Kirk was doing his best not to notice the sign. He wanted to swing away. Old Kirk quickly got two strikes and the bunt call was off. I don’t remember exactly what Kirk did, but he made an out. When Kirk came back to the dugout Sparky was waiting for him. They showed the scene on television and it became the biggest dressing down I have ever seen a manager perform. Great job by Sparky. It will be interesting to see how Gibson will handle a situation like this now that he is a major league manager.

[GreenHornet]

I apologize for correcting but it was the 1970 Series against Baltimore. And yes, I agree, it was a classy tribute.

No need to apologize for my faulty memory! But it was a classy thing that Anderson did for Corrales.

[Sunshine Sister]

I am so sorry to hear this. I know we all will enter the twilight at some point, but I still hate it. God Bless you Sparky!

[dragonblustar]

Heartbreaking. I love Sparky. Prayers for him and his family.

[Sunshine Sister]

What team is Gibson managing?

[Sam Clements]

Gibson is the new Arizona Diamondbacks manager. He had a great teacher in Sparky.

[shove_it]

Great shot - Tony Perez, Johnny Bench, Sparky, Joe Morgan and Pete Rose - the sparkplugs on the BIG RED MACHINE.

[Sunshine Sister]

Way way back in the day I had a crush on Gibson. I guess I had heard somewhere along the line that he was still in baseball but I didn’t know where. Thanks for the info!

[Abathar]

Sparky was one of the best, this is sad news to hear. I wish him smooth slide into home plate, he’s earned it.