Sparky Anderson...TV Star

I'm not sure about you, but I actually remember Sparky Anderson when he appeared on "WKRP in Cincinnati".

Now, admittedly, I didn't see the initial airing on December 24, 1979...but I do remember seeing it once it hit syndication.  That said, I know for a fact that I've never seen the 1980 episode of "The White Shadow" that featured the World Series winning skipper.

But enough about that.

The plot of the 12th episode of WKRP's second season is simple enough:

Mr. Carlson hires legendary baseball manager Sparky Anderson as the host of a new sports interview show. (courtesy of EPGuides.com)

Check out the show in its entirety below.  Good stuff.

Sparky Anderson (1934-2010)

Well...that didn't take long.

A day after it was announced that he was in hospice care, the world is saying goodbye to 2000 Hall of Fame inductee Sparky Anderson.

The outspoken former manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers died this afternoon in Thousand Oaks, California from complications from dementia.

Anderson retired from managing after the 1995 season, finishing with a lifetime record of 2194–1834 (good for a .545 winning percentage). While most of his career was spent in Detroit (1979-1995), his plaque in Cooperstown shows him donning the cap of the Reds, whom he managed from 1970 to 1978.

The skipper guided the "Big Red Machine" to World Series championships in 1975 and 1976 and then led Detroit to the 1984 title.

"Sparky is one of the nicest persons you could ever know. (He's a) dedicated family man and he loves baseball," former Tigers pitcher Milt Wilcox (who played for Anderson from 1980-1985) told The Hall exclusively. "I was lucky to get to see and talk to him earlier this year in Detroit!"

On May 28, 2005, during pre-game ceremonies in Cincinnati, Anderson's number 10, was retired by the Reds.  His number with the Detroit Tigers, (number 11), has been inactive since he retired in 1995, but has not been formally retired. 

Something tells me that will be remedied soon.

Sparky Anderson was 76.

For an excellent, comprehensive look back at the Hall of Famer's career...check out The Baseball Page.

Sparky Anderson Placed in Hospice Care

When I read today that Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson was placed in hospice care...my heart sunk.

Here's what the Associated Press had to say:

Former Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson has been placed in hospice care at his Thousand Oaks, Calif. home for complications resulting from dementia. No further details were released.

Sure, I knew nothing of his current state and know nothing about dementia, but the guy was one of the best managers around (he sits sixth all-time with 2194 wins) and when, years ago, I saw him amid a sea of fans prior to a Detroit Tigers-Milwaukee Brewers game...I had to get something signed.

The 76-year-old Anderson was the first manager to win World Series titles in both leagues (Tony LaRussa is the other) and is the only skipper to lead two franchises in career wins.

Courtesy of Tom Weir of the USA Today...here are some classic "Sparkyisms".

On the aftermath of a 16-4 loss, in 1990: "The only reason I'm coming out here tomorrow is the schedule says I have to."

On Bowie Kuhn's time as MLB commissioner: "If I hear him say just once more he's doing something for the betterment of baseball, I'm going to throw up."

On the designated hitter: "I've changed my mind about it. Instead of being bad, it stinks."

On managing: "A baseball manager is a necessary evil."

And his line of admiration about Willie Stargell: "He's got power enough to hit home runs in any park, including Yellowstone."

Anderson led the "Big Red Machine" to back-to-back World Series wins in 1975 and 1976 and directed the Tigers to a ring in 1984. Twice named the American League Manager of the Year (1984 and 1987), he retired from baseball in 1995.