RIP Sparky Anderson

There were few better people in the history of the game of baseball than Sparky Anderson, who died yesterday at the age of 76. A Hall of Fame manager with three World Series on his resume, two AL manager of the year honours and 2,194 wins (sixth all-time), Anderson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

But despite his on-field honours, it was his character off the field that endeared him to so many fans. Always seemingly happy to visit with fans, sign autographs and make time for the media, Anderson’s demeanour will certainly be missed in baseball circles. His niceties can certainly serve as a lesson for today’s players and managers — even in a busy schedule, it doesn’t cost anything nor hurt you to be polite and friendly to fans.

Anderson was always a friend to the TTM autograph hobby, and many people took advantage of his kindness in later years. I’m sure there are hundreds of Sparky Anderson autographs on eBay today, because he was a prolific signer. I got Anderson’s signature on a blank index card about four years ago, and even then, it was obvious his health was in decline. I’d hoped to get him on a ball, but wanted to leave the man in peace. He’d done so much for the game and for the hobby. Still, I’m glad to have obtained his signature, and it’s a precious one in my collection.

Here it is: