Former Tigers Manager Sparky Anderson dies at California home

Thousand Oaks, Calif. (WXYZ) - Action News has learned former Detroit Tigers manager George "Sparky" Anderson passed away at his home in California. He was 76-years old.  Anderson died as a result of complications from dementia. 

He was placed in hospice care Wednesday due to complications from dementia. 

Anderson, who led the Tigers to the 1984 World Series Championship, was the first person in Major League Baseball history to lead teams to world titles in both the National League and the American League.  Tony LaRussa became the second manager to accomplish the feat in 2006.

In 1987 the Hall of Famer founded "CATCH", which raises money for sick and at-risk patients of Children's Hospital of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital.

As the request of Mr. Anderson there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family also requests any donations be made to "CATCH".

Donations can be made online at  CATCH CHARITY or mailed to:

CATCH

223 Fisher Building

3011 West Grand Boulevard

Detroit, MI 48202

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO SLIDESHOW OF SPARKY ANDERSON

Sparky Anderson's family released the following statement Wednesday after he entered hospice care:

Hall of Fame Manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in the care of hospice for complications resulting from dementia at his home in Thousands Oaks, California.

The Anderson family – wife, Carol; sons Lee and Albert; and daughter Shirley Englebrecht – wishes to express appreciation to all friends and fans for the support and kindness they have shown throughout Sparky’s career and retirement.

The family is particularly grateful for the respect for privacy the national and local media has demonstrated during this trying period.

November 3, 2010

The Detroit Tigers released the following statement:

The Tigers organization is saddened by the news of Sparky’s illness. We will keep Sparky, his wife, Carol, and the entire Anderson family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sparky led one of the most beloved teams in franchise history to the World Series title in 1984 and remains the winningest manager in franchise history. His contributions to the Detroit Tigers remain a significant part of the club’s history.

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