View source for Garret Anderson

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1972)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Garret Anderson
|image=Garret Anderson (1429577930) (cropped).jpg
|image_size=270px
|caption=Anderson with the Angels in 2007
|position=[[Left fielder]]
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1972|6|30}}
|birth_place=[[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.
|bats=Left
|throws=Left
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=July 27
|debutyear=1994
|debutteam=California Angels
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=August 6
|finalyear=2010
|finalteam=Los Angeles Dodgers
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.293
|stat2label=[[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value=2,529
|stat3label=[[Home run]]s
|stat3value=287
|stat4label=[[Runs batted in]]
|stat4value=1,365
|teams=
* [[Los Angeles Angels|California / Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]] ({{mlby|1994}}–{{mlby|2008}})
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2009}})
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] ({{mlby|2010}})
|highlights=
* 3× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2002]], [[2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2003]], [[2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2005]])
* [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|2002}})
* 2× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (2002, 2003)
* [[Angels Hall of Fame]]
}}
[[File:GarrettAnderson.jpg|250px|thumb|Anderson in {{mlby|2008}}.]]
'''Garret Joseph Anderson''' (born June 30, 1972) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[left fielder]] who played 17 seasons in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB), primarily for the [[Los Angeles Angels|California / Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]]. He holds Angels franchise records for career [[games played]] (2,013), [[at bat]]s (7,989), [[hit (baseball)|hits]] (2,368), [[run (baseball)|runs scored]] (1,024), [[run batted in|runs batted in]] (RBI) (1,292), [[total bases]] (3,743), [[extra base hit]]s (796), [[single (baseball)|singles]] (1,572), [[double (baseball)|doubles]] (489), [[grand slam (baseball)|grand slams]] (8), RBI in a single game (10) and consecutive games with an RBI (12), as well as [[home run]]s by a left-handed hitter (272). A three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]], he helped lead the Angels to the [[2002 World Series]] title, and was named [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] of the [[2003 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2003 All-Star Game]].

==Early life==
Garret Anderson attended [[John F. Kennedy High School (Los Angeles, California)|Kennedy High School]] in [[Granada Hills, California]]. He was a three-sport star in baseball, [[high school football|football]], and [[high school basketball|basketball]]. In baseball, he won two All-Los Angeles City honors and two All-League Honors, and as a junior, helped his team win the Los Angeles City Championship. In basketball, as a senior he won All-Los Angeles City honors and All-League honors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Garret Anderson announces retirement|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110301&content_id=16779026&vkey=pr_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|access-date=April 14, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=March 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120619/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110301&content_id=16779026&vkey=pr_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Professional career==
===Anaheim Angels===
Anderson was selected by the [[Los Angeles Angels|California Angels]] in the fourth round of the [[1990 Major League Baseball draft|1990 MLB Draft]] and made his major league debut on July 27, 1994. He had two hits in four at bats in that game, recording his first career hit on a single to right field off [[Oakland Athletics]] pitcher [[Ron Darling]] in the bottom of the third inning. He appeared in only five games with the Angels in 1994, getting five hits in 13 at bats.

In 1995, he was called up to the team on April 26 and spent the rest of the year in the majors. He hit his first career home run on June 13 against [[Kevin Tapani]] of the [[Minnesota Twins]]. He [[batting average (baseball)|batted]] .321 in 106 games with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, and finished second in the [[MLB Rookie of the Year Award|Rookie of the Year]] voting to [[Marty Cordova]] of the Twins. From that point forward, Anderson became a mainstay in the Angels lineup.

Over the next eight seasons, he accumulated at least 600 at bats every year, breaking 90 RBIs and 20 home runs five times while compiling a batting average near .300.

While Anderson hit a career-high 35 home runs in 2000, he drew few [[base on balls|walks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-02-sp-30189-story.html|title=Angels Surprised Many, but They Still Need Some Pitching|first=Mike|last=DiGiovanna|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=October 2, 2000|access-date=February 9, 2020}}</ref> He became only the second player to conclude a 30-homer season with more homers than walks (35 HR, 24 BB), joining [[Iván Rodríguez]] (35–24 in 1999); the dubious feat has since been duplicated by [[Alfonso Soriano]] (39–23 in 2002), [[Javy López]] (43–33 in 2003), [[José Guillén]] (31–24 in 2003), [[Joe Crede]] (30–28 in 2006) and [[Ryan Braun]] (34–29 in 2007).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-oct-02-sp-30189-story.html|title=Angels Surprised Many, but They Still Need Some Pitching|date=2000-10-02|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref>

In 2002, when the Angels won their first [[World Series]] championship, Anderson finished fourth in the [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] voting after compiling a .306 average with 29 home runs and 123 runs batted in, including a 3-run double in the third inning of Game 7 which would turn out to be the series-winning hit. Anderson also scored a career-high 93 runs; however, the fact that he never scored 100 in a season was a result of his main weakness as a player &ndash; an inability to draw walks and achieve a high [[on-base percentage]]. Anderson had a similarly strong performance in 2003, and was named an [[American League]] All-Star. That All-Star weekend, he stole the show by becoming the [[Home Run Derby]] Champion and voted the Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game, the first player to win both since [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] in 1991.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070707&content_id=2073195&vkey=allstar2007&fext=.jsp|title=Notes: Wisdom of a Derby champ |last=Spencer |first=Lyle |date=July 7, 2007|work=[[MLB.com]] |access-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref> In 2002 and 2003, Anderson tied for the American League lead in doubles with [[Nomar Garciaparra]] and [[Vernon Wells (baseball)|Vernon Wells]], respectively.

On April 13, 2004, Anderson agreed to a $48 million, four-year contract extension through 2008. The deal included a team option for 2009 with a $3 million buyout.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1781319 |title=All-time hits leader gets four-year extension |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=April 15, 2004 |work=[[ESPN.com]] |access-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref>

Anderson began experiencing chronic ailments in 2004 that limited his playing time and production, including an [[arthritis|arthritic condition]] and [[plantar fasciitis]] in his feet. In {{By|2005}}, he began to see more regular time as a [[designated hitter]] to ease the wear and tear on his body. Anderson's production in 2006 was roughly on par with his 2005 production, with both seasons seeing him hit 17 home runs and drive in at least 85 runs.

On August 21, 2007, he drove in a team-record 10 runs, including a grand slam and a three-run homer, in the Los Angeles Angels' 18–9 win over the New York Yankees. Anderson became the 13th player in Major League history to have 10 RBIs in a game. Anderson now holds the team record for grand slams with eight and RBIs in a game with ten. This performance has been part of a general resurgence in the second half of the 2007 season, a relief to Angels fans who may have wondered if Anderson's career was near its end after a mediocre, injury-plagued first half. Instead, Anderson has led the majors in RBIs in the latter part of 2007. On September 7, Anderson drove in a run on an RBI single, to set a franchise record for most consecutive games with an RBI with 11. The streak lasted for 12 games, during which time he drove in 22 runs.

On October 28, 2008, the Angels announced they would decline their $14 million option on Anderson's contract and exercised a $3 million buyout.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081028&content_id=3651362&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana |title=Angels exercise buyout on Anderson |last=Spencer |first=Lyle |date=October 28, 2008 |work=[[MLB.com]] |access-date=March 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125114948/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081028&content_id=3651362&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Atlanta Braves===
[[File:MG 3981 Garret Anderson (cropped).jpg|thumb|Anderson with the Braves in 2009]]
On February 24, 2009, Anderson agreed to a one-year deal with the [[Atlanta Braves]] for $2.5 million.<ref>[http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090224&content_id=3874758&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl Anderson, Braves complete deal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226220229/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090224&content_id=3874758&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |date=2009-02-26 }}</ref> On April 5, 2009, in the Braves' first game of the season, Anderson collected the 2,369th hit of his career, and the first he had with any franchise besides the Angels.

On July 2, 2009, Anderson hit the first career [[pinch hitter|pinch-hit]] home run of his career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Diaz's RBI-double snaps tie in eighth as Braves nab fourth straight win|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290702115|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150414030230/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290702115|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 14, 2015|access-date=April 14, 2015|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=July 2, 2009}}</ref>

On October 1, 2009, Anderson became the 89th player to reach 2,500 base hits, getting a single off [[Washington Nationals]] pitcher [[Garrett Mock]].<ref>{{cite news|work=The Oklahoman|url=http://newsok.com/nationals-beat-braves-2-1-on-orrs-single-in-9th/article/feed/87062|date=October 1, 2009 |agency=Associated Press |title=Nationals Beat Braves 2-1 on Orr's Single in 9th}}</ref>

===Los Angeles Dodgers===
On March 3, 2010, Anderson agreed to a minor league deal with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100303&content_id=8669070&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306030739/http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100303&content_id=8669070&vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |title=Ex-Angel Anderson lands with Dodgers |author=Doug Miller and Ken Gurnick |date=March 3, 2010 |work=[[MLB.com]] |access-date=March 16, 2010}}</ref> He made the 25-man opening day roster as a reserve outfielder. In his first at bat with the Dodgers, he hit a pinch-hit single off [[Brendan Donnelly]], his former Angels teammate. His first home run with the Dodgers came on April 22, when he hit a pinch-hit 2-run homer against the [[Cincinnati Reds]].

Anderson was designated for assignment August 8, 2010<ref>{{cite news|last1=Singer|first1=Tom|title=Dodgers designate Anderson, recall Gibbons|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/13193980/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121659/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/13193980/|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=April 14, 2015|work=MLB.com|date=August 8, 2010}}</ref> after hitting only .181 in 155 at bats, and was granted his release on August 10.

==Retirement==
On March 1, 2011, Anderson announced his retirement in a statement issued by the Angels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110301&content_id=16776496 |title=Angels icon Anderson retires after 17 years |author=Lyle Spencer |date=March 1, 2011 |work=[[MLB.com]] |access-date=March 1, 2011}}</ref>

As of 2012, Anderson was an Angels pregame and postgame reporter during home games and some road games on [[Fox Sports West]], along with former teammate [[Tim Salmon]].

He appeared on the ballot for the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum]] [[Baseball Hall of Fame balloting, 2016|2016 election]] and earned one vote.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605588-2016-bbwaa-hall-of-fame-election-results-announced | title=2016 BBWAA Hall of Fame Election Results Announced | website=[[Bleacher Report]] }}</ref>

In 2016, Anderson was inducted into the Angels' Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite news|title=Angels look back at their 2002 World Series on a night they lose to the Yankees, 5-1|author=Bill Shaikin|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/angels/la-sp-angels-yankees-20160820-snap-story.html|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=August 20, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|Years
|Games
|[[Plate appearances|PA]]
|[[At bat|AB]]
||[[Run (baseball)|R]]
|[[Hit (baseball)|H]]
|[[Double (baseball)|2B]]
|[[Triple (baseball)|3B]]
|[[Home runs|HR]]
|[[Runs batted in|RBI]]
|[[Stolen bases|SB]]
|[[Base on balls|BB]]
|[[Strikeouts|SO]]
|[[Batting average (baseball)|AVG]]
|[[On-base percentage|OBP]]
|[[Slugging percentage|SLG]]
|[[Fielding percentage|FLD%]]
|- 
|17
|2228
|9177
|8640
|1084
|2529
|522
|36
|287
|1365
|80
|429
|1224
|.293
|.324
|.461
|.989
|}
In the postseason, in 5 [[American League Division Series]], 2 [[American League Championship Series]] and 1 [[World Series]] covering 36 games from 2002 to 2008, Anderson batted .245 (36-for-147) with 17 runs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs and 22 RBI.

==Highlights==
===Awards===
* Three-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] (2002–2003, 2005)
* All-Star Game MVP (2003)
* [[The Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award|''The Sporting News'' Rookie of the Year]] (1995)
* Two-time [[List of AL Silver Slugger Winners at Outfield|Silver Slugger Award]] winner (2002–03)
* Top 10 in voting for [[MLB Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] (2002, 4th)

===Championships and accomplishments===
* From 1997 to 2003, was second only to [[Derek Jeter]] in hits among all Major League players
* On the [[2002 World Series]] championship team
* Won the [[Home Run Derby]] and All Star Game MVP known as the Ted Williams Award in 2003
* Led the [[American League]] in [[double (baseball)|doubles]] in 2002 and 2003
* Holds the club record for RBIs (broke the old mark held by [[Tim Salmon]] in 2005)
* Holds the club-record for most RBI in a single game, 10 (August 21, 2007)
* Holds the club-record for most consecutive games with an RBI, 12 (September 7, 2007)
* Collected his 2,000th career hit on July 1, 2006.

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball doubles records]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball single-game hits leaders]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Baseballstats|mlb=110236|espn=3129|br=a/anderga01|fangraphs=2|brm=anders002gar}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box|before=[[Edgar Martínez]] |title=[[Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award|American League Player of the Month]] |years=July, 1995 |after=[[Albert Belle]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{2002 Anaheim Angels}}
{{Angels Hall of Fame}}
{{Sporting News MLB Rookie of the year}}
{{AL OF Silver Slugger Award}}
{{Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs}}
{{Home Run Derby champions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Anderson, Garret}}
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball left fielders]]
[[Category:California Angels players]]
[[Category:Anaheim Angels players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels players]]
[[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs]]
[[Category:Silver Slugger Award winners]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Los Angeles]]
[[Category:African-American baseball players]]
[[Category:Arizona League Angels players]]
[[Category:Boise Hawks players]]
[[Category:Quad Cities Angels players]]
[[Category:Palm Springs Angels players]]
[[Category:Midland Angels players]]
[[Category:Vancouver Canadians players]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada]]
[[Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Irvine, California]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]