Garret Anderson, a legendary player for the Los Angeles Angels, has died at 53. He was instrumental in the team's 2002 World Series win and holds multiple franchise records.
Key points
Garret Anderson died at age 53
He was a three-time All-Star
Led Angels to 2002 World Series title
Holds multiple franchise records
Worked as a broadcaster for the Angels
Mentioned in this story
Garret AndersonArte MorenoDerek Jeter
Los Angeles Angels
Garret Anderson, one of the greatest and most beloved players in Los Angeles Angels history, has died at the age of 53, the team announced Friday.
Anderson, a three-time All-Star who helped lead the Angels to the 2002 World Series championship, played the majority of his 17-year career with the Angels. He holds franchise record for games played (2,013), hits (2,368),Ā runs scored (1,024),Ā RBI (1,292),Ā and total bases (3,743). He ranked second behind only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for the most hits from 1997-2003.
Anderson, the 2003 All-Star Game MVP and Home Run Derby winner, had been working for the Angels as a broadcaster.
āThe Angels prganization is mourning the loss of one of our franchiseās most beloved icons," said Angels owner Arte Moreno in a statement.Ā āGarret 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...
"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. We extend our deepest condolences to Garretās wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret āTreyā Anderson III, and his entire family.ā
Anderson, who became only the second player in baseball history in 2000 to hit more home runs (35) than walks (24), finished fourth in the AL MVP race in 2002 when the Angels won the World Series. He hit .306 with 29 homers and 123 RBI, while scoring a career-high 93 runs.
Anderson retired in 2011 and was inducted into the Angelsā Hall of Fame in 2016.
Across Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Day is observed as players take the field wearing the same number in recognition of his legacy.
These images show moments from around the league as teams mark the occasion during regularāseason play.
Q&A
What were Garret Anderson's career achievements with the Angels?
Garret Anderson was a three-time All-Star, the 2003 All-Star Game MVP, and helped lead the Angels to the 2002 World Series championship, holding multiple franchise records.
How did Garret Anderson contribute to the Angels' success?
Anderson played a pivotal role in the Angels' 2002 World Series victory and was a cornerstone of the organization during his 15 seasons with the team.
What is Garret Anderson's legacy in MLB history?
Anderson ranks second in hits from 1997-2003, only behind Derek Jeter, and holds franchise records for games played, hits, runs scored, RBI, and total bases.
What did Angels owner Arte Moreno say about Garret Anderson's passing?
Arte Moreno expressed deep sorrow, stating that Anderson was a beloved icon and cornerstone of the organization, highlighting his professionalism and loyalty.
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Above, Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his three-run home run as he rounds the bases against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
A view of third base in honor of Jackie Robinson Day prior to the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Texas Rangers first baseman Ezequiel Duran and relief pitcher Luke Jackson celebrate making the last out against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. All MLB players will be wearing the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate Robinson making his major league debut in 1947.
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church (27) slides safely past Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) for a stolen base during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Players and coaches are wearing number 42 in recognition of Jackie Robinson Day.
Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gathers on the mound with teammates during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks warms up before playing against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
1 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Across Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Day is observed as players take the field wearing the same number in recognition of his legacy.
These images show moments from around the league as teams mark the occasion during regularāseason play.
Above, Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
1 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Across Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson Day is observed as players take the field wearing the same number in recognition of his legacy.
These images show moments from around the league as teams mark the occasion during regularāseason play.
Above, Simeon Woods Richardson #24 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
2 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Trevor Story #10 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his three-run home run as he rounds the bases against the Minnesota Twins in the third inning at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
3 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
A view of third base in honor of Jackie Robinson Day prior to the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at Target Field on April 15, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
4 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Texas Rangers first baseman Ezequiel Duran and relief pitcher Luke Jackson celebrate making the last out against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. All MLB players will be wearing the number 42 on Jackie Robinson Day to commemorate Robinson making his major league debut in 1947.
5 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Nathan Church (27) slides safely past Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) for a stolen base during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Players and coaches are wearing number 42 in recognition of Jackie Robinson Day.
6 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez #57 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gathers on the mound with teammates during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
7 / 7
Scenes from Jackie Robinson Day across the MLB
Nolan Arenado #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks warms up before playing against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
āIt is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from baseball,āā Anderson said in his retirement statement. āI know I will miss many aspects of the game, the grind of playing every day, hitting with the game on the line, the clubhouse banter, making a good defensive play, the guys, the roar of the crowd after a win, and the friendships made throughout the years. It was truly a privilege to play this wonderful game and for that I want to thank several individuals."
Anderson grew up in Granada Hills, California, and was selected in the fourth round of the 1990 amateur draft. He spent five years in the minors before making his MLB debut July 27, 1994 against Oakland with his first hit off Ron Darling. He finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in 1995 behind Marty Cordova of the Minnesota Twins.
He was one of the gameās most durable players, playing an average of 156 games per year his first eight seasons. He finished with 2,529 hits and a career .293 batting average.
