Former Major League Baseball player Garret Anderson has passed away, the league has announced. He was 53 years old.
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"We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Garret Anderson, a 17-year MLB veteran and a standout member of the 2002 World Series champion Angels," MLB said in a statement on Friday afternoon.
The Los Angeles Angels, the team with which Anderson spent the majority of his career, also issued a statement. The team said that it would pay tribute to one of the organization's all-time great players by wearing a patch on their uniforms. The Angels will also play a tribute video before Friday's home game against the Padres.
We are shocked and saddened by the passing of Garret Anderson, a 17-year MLB veteran and a standout member of the 2002 World Series champion Angels.
A Los Angeles native, Anderson debuted with the Angels in 1994 and spent 15 of his 17 Major League seasons with the team. He… pic.twitter.com/6ZfnpClnT8
— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2026
Anderson made his pro debut with the Angels back in 1994 and kicked off a 15-year tenure with the team. He played in at least 100 games in 14 of these seasons, and he earned All-Star honors three times. He won a World Series with the team in 2002 after accounting for 11 runs and 13 RBIs in 16 playoff games.
It was with the Angels that Anderson led MLB in doubles two times. He hit 56 in 2002 and 49 in 2003. He also became the Angels' all-time leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBIs (1,292), doubles (489), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), and grand slams (eight).
The Los Angeles native left the Angels after the 2008 season. He spent one year with the Atlanta Braves (2009) and one year with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2010) before ending his career.
"The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise's most beloved icons, Garret Anderson," 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, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.
"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."
