Angels Legend Garret Anderson Dies at 53

The franchise's all-time hits leader and 2002 World Series champion passed away suddenly at his home in Newport Beach.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:12pm

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The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that former outfielder Garret Anderson, a member of the team's 2002 World Series championship squad and the franchise's all-time hits leader, has died at the age of 53. No cause of death was provided by the team, but reports indicate Anderson suffered a medical emergency at his home in Newport Beach, California. The Angels plan to wear a jersey patch honoring Anderson for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Anderson spent the majority of his 17-year MLB career with the Angels, becoming one of the most beloved players in franchise history. He was a key part of the team's 2002 World Series title and held several franchise records, including games played, total bases, extra-base hits, doubles, grand slams, and RBIs. His sudden passing at a relatively young age has shocked the Angels organization and their fanbase.

The details

Garret Anderson was drafted by the Angels in 1990 and made his MLB debut with the team in 1994. He went on to spend 15 of his 17 seasons in the big leagues with the Angels, becoming a three-time All-Star and one-time Home Run Derby champion. Anderson finished fourth in AL MVP voting in 2002, the year the Angels won the World Series. He holds several franchise records, including career games played (2,013), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), grand slams (8), and RBIs (1,292). After retiring, Anderson spent time as an analyst for Angels TV broadcasts.

  • On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Angels announced Anderson's passing.
  • Anderson died at the age of 53.

The players

Garret Anderson

A former outfielder who spent the majority of his 17-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels, where he became the franchise's all-time hits leader and a key member of the 2002 World Series championship team.

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.

Tim Salmon

A former teammate of Garret Anderson's on the 2002 Angels World Series championship team, who shared a tribute to his friend on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond.”

— Arte Moreno, Angels Owner

“GA we will miss you greatly. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Phil 4:13. My brother in Christ we will be reunited again.”

— Tim Salmon

What’s next

The Angels will wear a 'GA' jersey patch for the remainder of the 2026 season to honor Garret Anderson, and the team will hold a moment of silence and play a tribute video for Anderson before their game against the Padres on Friday.

The takeaway

Garret Anderson's sudden passing at just 53 years old has left the Angels organization and their fanbase in mourning. As one of the most beloved players in franchise history and a key member of their 2002 World Series championship team, Anderson's legacy and impact on the team and community will be remembered and celebrated through the jersey patch and other tributes planned by the Angels.