The Los Angeles Angels honored the late Garret Anderson during their game on Friday, April 17, against the San Diego Padres.
The team wore a memorial patch in the course of the game in Anderson’s honor, and can wear that patch for the rest of the season. In addition they played a video tribute at Angels Stadium and held a moment of silence before the sport.
“He was a baseball player, and he did every part right,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com of Anderson. “There was nothing flashy. … He never pimped home runs. That’s who I would like my kids to model themselves after. Just play the sport right, do the things right, and never bring attention to yourself.”
Suzuki played with Anderson during his MLB profession.
The Angels went on to win 8-0 on Friday in dominant fashion on an evening honoring one in all the greats.
Anderson, a three-time All-Star and staple of the Angels franchise, died on Thursday, April 16 after suffering a “medical emergency” at his home in Newport Beach, California. He was 53.
A tribute within the outfield grass to former player Garret Anderson Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
“We’re deeply saddened to announce the passing of Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson,” the team posted via social media on Friday. “Garret will ceaselessly hold a special place within the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his profession and beyond.”
The 2-time Silver Slugger — who played almost his entire profession with the Angels — holds the franchise records for games played, at bats, hits, runs, RBIs, total bases, extra base hits, singles, doubles and grand slams. He was the muse of the team during its 2002 World Series championship run.
“The Angels organization is mourning the lack of one in all our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a press release. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence within the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.”
Anderson is survived by his wife, Teresa, his daughters, Brianne and Bailey, and his son, Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III.
He was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2016.
“Being an excellent teammate goes a good distance with a variety of people,” he said on the time. “For those who exit and respect your teammates and pull for ‘em and provides ‘em tough love when you have got to, it goes a good distance. … In order that was the most important compliment for me, people saying I used to be an excellent teammate.”