Angels announce death of MLB legend Garret Anderson at age 53

Angels announce death of MLB legend Garret Anderson at age 53

Garret Anderson, one of the greatest and most beloved players inLos Angeles Angelshistory, has died at the age of 53, the team announced April 17.

USA TODAY Sports

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), runs scored (1,024), RBIs (1,292), 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.

“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons," said Angels owner Arte Moreno in a statement.  “Garret 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 Garret’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III, and his entire family.”

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<p style=Garret Anderson, one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Angels history, has died at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17, 2026.

A three-time All-Star and key part of the Angels’ 2002 World Series title, he holds multiple franchise records, including games played (2,013), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), RBI (1,292), and total bases (3,743). He ranked second behind only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for the most hits from 1997-2003.

Revisit his baseball career, from joining the MLB in the 1990s to his induction into the Angels hall of fame and later becoming a broadcaster for the Angels.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Left fielder Garret Anderson of the California Angels stands in the batters box during a game against the New York Yankees at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Aug. 20, 1995. The Angels won the game 10-5. Left fielder Garret Anderson of the California Angels stands on the field during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Anaheim Stadium in Anaheim, California, on July 9, 1995. Garret Anderson #16 of the Anaheim Angels at Spring Training at the Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, on Feb. 23, 1998. Anaheim Angels left fielder Garret Anderson makes the game ending catch on a fly ball hit by the Minnesota Twins AJ Pierzynski in the ninth inning of Game three of the American League Championship Series in Anaheim on Oct. 11, 2002. The Angels defeated the Twins 2-1 to take a two games to one lead in the series. Anaheim Angels' Garret Anderson carries the World Series trophy after Game Seven of the World Series on Oct. 27, 2002, in Anaheim. The Angels won their first World Series Championship with a 4-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game Seven. Anaheim Angels Garret Anderson hits a solo home run in the second inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Minnesota Twins in Anaheim Oct. 11, 2002. Anderson hit the home run off the Twins starter Eric Milton. American League All-Star Garret Anderson of the Anaheim Angels holds the trophy awarded to the winner of the Home Run Derby, in Chicago July 14, 2003. Anderson defeated National League All-Star Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals 9-8 in the final round to win the Home Run Derby. The 2003 Major League All-Star Game will be played July 15. Anaheim Angels' Garret Anderson watches his two run home run in the sixth inning of the 2003 Major League All-Star Game in Chicago, July 15, 2003. Garret was named MVP as the American League defeated the National League 7-6 to win home field advantage in the World Series. All-Star game MVP Garret Anderson (L) of the Anaheim Angels holds the trophy on July 15, 2003 after the 74th mid-summer classic at US Cellular Field, in Chicago. The American League beat the National League 7-6 to win the game. Anaheim Angels' outfielder Garret Anderson hold the Most Valuable Player trophy after the 74th annual All-Star game in Chicago, July 15, 2003. The American League defeated the National League 7-6, with Anderson hitting a single, double and home run. Anaheim Angels Garret Anderson (R) celebrates with coach Mickey Hatcher (L) and David Eckstein after hitting a two-run home run off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Paul Shuey to score with Scott Spiezio during the ninth inning of interleague play in Los Angeles, June 22, 2003. The Angels won 6-3. Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Garret Anderson (16) before game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium on April 29, 2007. Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson against the Oakland Athletics at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 3, 2008, in Tempe, Arizona. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Garret Anderson (9) runs to third on a triple during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 15, 2010. Former Los Angeles Angels player Garret Anderson speaks following his induction into the Angels hall of fame at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Aug. 20, 2016. FanDuel Sports Network West reporter Erica Weston (left) and Angels Live analyst Garret Anderson during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on May 9, 2025.

Remembering Angels great Garret Anderson

Garret Anderson, one of the greatest players in Los Angeles Angels history, has died at the age of 53, the team announced on April 17, 2026.A three-time All-Star and key part of the Angels’ 2002 World Series title, he holds multiple franchise records, including games played (2,013), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), RBI (1,292), and total bases (3,743). He ranked second behind only Hall of Famer Derek Jeter for the most hits from 1997-2003.Revisit his baseball career, from joining the MLB in the 1990s to his induction into the Angels hall of fame and later becoming a broadcaster for the Angels.

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 RBIs, while scoring a career-high 93 runs.

Anderson retired in 2011 and was inducted into the Angels’ Hall of Fame in 2016.

“It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from baseball," Anderson said in his retirement statement. “I 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 game’s 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.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Garret Anderson dies at 53: Angels legend won World Series in LA

 

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