The Tigers announced today that they will retire former manager Sparky Anderson’s #11 and wear a patch on their jersey’s throughout the 2011 season. This is according to Greg Johnson of the Grand Rapids Press. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski also mentioned that the team will honor the legendary manager in a series of events that will take place throughout the season.
George “Sparky” Anderson managed the Tigers for 17 seasons all of which included the 1984 championship team. Anderson passed away on November 4th, 2010 after complications from dementia. He was 76 years old.
“We just felt this was an appropriate time to do so,” Dombrowski said. “I really can’t speak for the past.”
Dombrowski mentioned that he sat down with Tigers owner Mike Ilitch where they decided to retire Sparky’s #11, have players where a patch on their jersey’s and fly a flag over Comerica Park throughout the 2011 season. The Flag ceremony will take place during the Tigers’ home opener against the Kansas City Royals on April 8th. A date has not yet been announced for the number retirement ceremony.
“When he passed away we noticed that every player who it seemed he had managed had something to say about the influence Sparky had on his career,” Dombrowski said. “He was an amazing manager, and you can’t measure what he meant for baseball. His exuberance and love for the game was what baseball is all about.”
Dombrowski also added that the best situation would’ve been to of honored Anderson before his death however Dombrowski believed that the when the 1984 team was honored in late 2009 for its 25th anniversary it reflected on Anderson.
“He was so honored the way everybody showed up, and you could see the love for him,” Dombrowski said. “It was just fantastic to see.”
Better late than never.
Source: Grand Rapids Press
