Garret Anderson is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for 17 seasons. He was born on June 30, 1972, in Los Angeles, California, and attended Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California. Anderson was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football. However, he decided to pursue a career in baseball and was drafted by the California Angels in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB draft.
Anderson made his MLB debut with the Angels in 1994 and quickly established himself as a reliable outfielder. He was known for his strong arm, speed, and ability to hit for both power and average. Anderson played for the Angels for 15 seasons, from 1994 to 2008, and was a key member of the team that won the World Series in 2002. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League Championship Series that year, after hitting .389 with three home runs and 10 runs batted in (RBIs) in the series.
During his time with the Angels, Anderson was a four-time All-Star and won three Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding defense in the outfield. He also set several franchise records, including most hits, doubles, RBIs, and total bases. Anderson was a consistent performer throughout his career, hitting over .300 in six seasons and driving in over 100 runs in eight seasons.
After leaving the Angels in 2008, Anderson played for the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers before retiring in 2010. He finished his career with a .293 batting average, 2,529 hits, 287 home runs, and 1,365 RBIs. Anderson ranks among the all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including hits, RBIs, and total bases.
Off the field, Anderson was known for his quiet demeanor and strong work ethic. He was a respected leader in the clubhouse and was often praised for his professionalism and dedication to the game. Anderson was also active in the community, supporting various charitable organizations and participating in youth baseball clinics.
In recognition of his outstanding career, Anderson was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 2015. He remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history and is remembered for his contributions to the team's success during the 2000s.
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