by FanHouse Staff
Sparky Anderson touched many lives during his long career in baseball, including 26 years as manager of the Tigers and Reds. Those who knew him best reflected on Anderson's remarkable life after he died Thursday at age 76. o. Commissioner Bud Selig: "I am truly saddened by the loss of Sparky Anderson. I have lost and all of baseball has lost a dear friend. Sparky was a gentleman, a great baseball man and a superb ambassador for the game. Sparky won three World Series Championships with the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers, leading several of the best teams of the last 40 years and holding the most wins as manager for both tradition-rich franchises.
"I recall with great fondness the many hours we would spend together when his Tigers came to Milwaukee. Sparky was a loyal friend, and whenever I would be dealing with difficult situations as Commissioner, he would lift my spirits, telling me to keep my head up and that I was doing the right thing.
"On behalf of our game, I send my deepest condolences to Sparky's wife, Carol, his three children, his nine grandchildren, and to all of his fans in Cincinnati, Detroit and throughout Baseball who were touched by this great man."
o. Hall of Fame Tigers outfielder Al Kaline: "Sparky was one of the greatest people I've met in baseball. He was a leader to his players both on and off the field. He was an incredible person and I cherish the time I was able to spend with him. He was a great leader and a great baseball man."
o. All-time hits leader Pete Rose: "Baseball lost an ambassador today. Sparky was, by far, the best manager I ever played for. He understood people better than anyone I ever met. His players loved him, he loved his players, and he loved the game of baseball. There isn't another person in baseball like Sparky Anderson. He gave his whole life to the game."
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