Former Tigers Manager Sparky Anderson is Seriously Ill

The Anderson family released a statement today announcing that Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care due to “complications resulting from dementia.”

Sparky managed the Cincinnati Reds’ Big Red Machine from 1970-1978 where he won four National League pennants and World Series titles in 1975 and 1976.

Anderson took control of the Tigers’ dugout in 1979, a position he held until the completion of the 1995 season. He was named the American League Manager of the Year in 1984 and 1987. The Tigers’ 1984 World Championship made Sparky Anderson the first manager to win the title in both leagues.

This is surely more heartbreaking news to a fan-base that lost beloved broadcaster Ernie Harwell earlier in the year.