Garret Anderson, who spent the first 15 years of his career as an Angel, has announced his retirement today. Anderson, the Los Angeles native who attended Kennedy High in Granada Hills, is the Angels' all-time franchise leader in several offensive categories. Anderson made three All-Star teams and was a key cog in the Angels' World Series win in 2002.
↵"It is with mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from baseball. I know I will miss many aspects of the game, the grind of playing every day, hitting with the game on the line, the clubhouse banter, making a good defensive play, the guys, the roar of the crowd after a win, and the friendships made throughout the years," Anderson said in a statement. "It was truly a privilege to play this wonderful game."
↵Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who managed Anderson from 2000-2008 said, "Garret was an incredible player, one with a calm demeanor and quiet confidence that allowed him to excel in this game. Garret’s role in where the Angels organization is today cannot be overstated. He had a tremendous passion to play this game and a deep understanding of how to play to win and that was very important to this organization."
↵Anderson left the Angels as a free agent after the 2008 season, signing with Atlanta on a one-year deal. He returned to Los Angeles last season with the Dodgers, but he hit just .181/.204/.271 in 80 games before getting designated for assignment in August. Anderson is the Angels franchise leader in games, plate appearances, runs, hits, total bases, extra-base hits, doubles and RBI. His 272 home runs rank second only to Tim Salmon in Angels' history.
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