Angels Hall of Famer Garret Anderson dies at 53

The longtime Angels outfielder was a fixture in the team's lineup for 15 seasons.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Cubist-style painting featuring fragmented geometric shapes and planes of color representing different aspects of Garret Anderson's baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels, including his hitting, fielding, and championship-winning moments.The vibrant, multifaceted career of Angels legend Garret Anderson is captured in a Cubist-inspired artistic tribute.Los Angeles Today

Garret Anderson, the longtime Los Angeles Angels outfielder who became the franchise's career leader in several offensive categories and helped the team win the 2002 World Series, has died at the age of 53. The Angels announced Anderson's passing on Friday, though the cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Why it matters

Anderson was one of the most beloved players in Angels history, spending his entire 15-year MLB career with the franchise and becoming the team's all-time leader in several key statistical categories. His death is a major loss for the Angels organization and their fanbase.

The details

Anderson reached the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 and played for the club until 2008, primarily as a left fielder. He was a fixture in the heart of their batting order for his entire tenure, becoming the franchise's career leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBIs (1,292), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489) and grand slams (8). Anderson was a three-time All-Star and helped the Angels win their only World Series championship in 2002.

  • Anderson played for the Angels from 1994 to 2008.
  • He was a three-time All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
  • The Angels won the World Series in 2002 with Anderson on the team.
  • Anderson retired from the league in 2011 after 17 seasons.

The players

Garret Anderson

A longtime outfielder who spent his entire 15-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, becoming the franchise's all-time leader in several offensive categories and helping the team win the 2002 World Series.

Arte Moreno

The owner of the Los Angeles Angels, who released a statement mourning the loss of one of the franchise's 'most beloved icons' in Garret Anderson.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise's most beloved icons, Garret Anderson. Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons, and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship. Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable.”

— Arte Moreno, Angels owner

What’s next

The Angels will wear a memorial patch this season bearing Garret Anderson's initials, and they will hold a moment of silence before their game on Friday against the San Diego Padres.

The takeaway

Garret Anderson's passing is a significant loss for the Angels organization and their fanbase, as he was one of the most beloved and accomplished players in franchise history. His storied career, which included a World Series title and numerous offensive records, cemented his legacy as an Angels icon.