UPDATE - SPARKY ANDERSON PASSES

Sparky Anderson, Hall of Fame Manager, in Hospice Care With Dementia

11/03/2010 10:38 AM ET By FanHouse Staff



Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson is suffering from dementia and has been placed in hospice care, his family said Wednesday.

The 76-year-old Anderson won the World Series at the helm of both the Reds (1975-76) and Tigers (1984). He reached the playoffs four additional times in a managing career that ran from 1970-95, compiling a career record of 2,194-1,834. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000 after being elected by the veteran's committee.

He has lived since retirement in Thousand Oaks, Calif., where he'll undergo care for complications of dementia, according to a statement released Wednesday by his family. It read in part:

"The Anderson family, which consists of 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."

Anderson's health has taken a turn for the worse, but he alluded to that possibility last fall. In Detroit for a 25th anniversary celebration of the Tigers' most recent World Series championship, Anderson acknowledged how much the reunion meant to him because it would probably be the last time the entire group was able to gather together.

"I'm 75. I know I ain't going to make it," he said.

His final 17 seasons as a manager were spent with the Tigers, an organization that already has suffered the loss of one icon this year with broadcaster Ernie Harwell's death in May.

Reds owner Bob Castellini released the following statement Wednesday:

"We are very sad to hear the news of Sparky's failing health. Every day here we are reminded of his contribution to the success of this proud franchise. The Reds' family offers its prayers and support to Sparky and his family during this difficult time."