Sparky Anderson dies at 76

[NoHoJoe]

Longtime Baseball World Series Manager Sparky Anderson has died. He was 76.

RIP Sparky!

[Eye]

Who else is surprised that NoHoJoe didn't ask if anyone had him on their list?

[JayJaxon]

One of the greats. RIP Sparky.

[CDixonDesign]

Wow, wasn't expecting to see him pass this quickly. RIP Sparky...

[knnhrvy16]

It's a very sad day in baseball. Sparky is easily one of the all-time greatest managers and personalities in baseball history.

What I found really interesting was learning that he first took over the Reds at the age of 36. That's quite young for that era to manage a team, yet he did it consecutively for the next 26 seasons and was the best at it in his era, in my opinion.

Also, his personality and humor was legendary. Tim Kirkjian was talking on ESPN just an hour or so ago about a time he imitated Leslie Nielsen's character in "Naked Gun" in the locker room after a game, and made just about everyone crack up. I don't think any manager today would even dare try anything similar, that just goes to show the type of guy Sparky was.

May he rest in peace, we'll certainly miss him.

[GFB]

First manager to ever win the World Series with both an American and National League team. (Reds '75, '76; Tigers '84)

RIP

[Dilbert]

Today we are all Big Red Machines and Tigers. RIP Sparky

[Swiss]

Although I'm a fan of that franchise that Sparky Anderson and Co. beat in the best World Series ever played (FYI: 1975), I always admired him.

He was a nice character, an excellent manager and an unavoidable baseball personality.

RIP Sparky.

[infrared41]

I had the chance to meet Sparky in 1985. He was as nice a person as you'd ever meet. He was a great ambassador for the sport.

And just for fun...

Today we all all Chris Pittaros. (Let's see who gets that reference.)

[Sport]

Thanks for 1975 and 1976 and the best hall of fame induction speech I've ever heard.

RIP George.

[wdm1219inpenna]

Very sad to hear this news. I didn't know he was only 76. The man had white hair when he was in his 30s?? He looked 70 forty years ago! But he was a brilliant manager, and I am indeed saddened to learn of his illness & death. It hits close to home as there is somebody in my family who also has dementia.

[scooter13]

Today we all all Chris Pittaros. (Let's see who gets that reference.)

No we are not, because I think I had more talent then Chris Pittaro.

Back to the subject, as everyone has already said, it is a great loss for baseball. When I was a kid, and in love with the game and the Tigers, I was totally geeked when it was announced that the Tigers had hired Sparky in 1979. Even that young, I knew his reputation with the Reds. I was further excited when he guaranteed a World Series win in five years. I was young enough to believe in that kind of hype. Thankfully for the Tigers fan in me, he and the rest of the organization delivered.

RIP Sparky

[NJTank]

I remember an episode of WKRP Sparky did after he got fired in Cincy, where he was supposed to be hired o do a sports show on the channel. So he had a good sense of humor too.

[infrared41]

Today we all all Chris Pittaros. (Let's see who gets that reference.)

No we are not, because I think I had more talent then Chris Pittaro.

I don't think you get it.

[Saintsfan]

2 things, one at least Sparky did not have to suffer with his dementia any longer than necessary. Atleast he has that relief. The other is that he seemed like a really great guy. Great manager of some awesome teams, and a great character.

[scooter13]

Today we all all Chris Pittaros. (Let's see who gets that reference.)

No we are not, because I think I had more talent then Chris Pittaro.

I don't think you get it.

It was a joke, just like yours. Just worse.