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Anderson in 2008.

Key Information

Garret Joseph Anderson (born June 30, 1972) is an American former professional baseball left fielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily for the California / Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He holds Angels franchise records for career games played (2,013), at bats (7,989), hits (2,368), runs scored (1,024), runs batted in (RBI) (1,292), total bases (3,743), extra base hits (796), singles (1,572), doubles (489), grand slams (8), RBI in a single game (10) and consecutive games with an RBI (12), as well as home runs by a left-handed hitter (272). A three-time All-Star, he helped lead the Angels to the 2002 World Series title, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2003 All-Star Game.

Early life

[edit]

Garret Anderson attended Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California. He was a three-sport star in baseball, football, and basketball. In baseball, he won two All-Los Angeles City honors and two All-League Honors, and as a junior, helped his team win the Los Angeles City Championship. In basketball, as a senior he won All-Los Angeles City honors and All-League honors.[1]

Professional career

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Anaheim Angels

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Anderson was selected by the California Angels in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB draft and made his major league debut on July 27, 1994. He had two hits in four at bats in that game, recording his first career hit on a single to right field off Oakland Athletics pitcher Ron Darling in the bottom of the third inning. He appeared in only five games with the Angels in 1994, getting five hits in 13 at bats.

In 1995, he was called up to the team on April 26 and spent the rest of the year in the majors. He hit his first career home run on June 13 against Kevin Tapani of the Minnesota Twins. He batted .321 in 106 games with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting to Marty Cordova of the Twins. From that point forward, Anderson became a mainstay in the Angels lineup.

Over the next eight seasons, he accumulated at least 600 at bats every year, breaking 90 RBIs and 20 home runs five times while compiling a batting average near .300.

While Anderson hit a career-high 35 home runs in 2000, he drew few walks.[2] He became only the second player to conclude a 30-homer season with more homers than walks (35 HR, 24 BB), joining Iván Rodríguez (35–24 in 1999); the dubious feat has since been duplicated by Alfonso Soriano (39–23 in 2002), Javy López (43–33 in 2003), José Guillén (31–24 in 2003), Joe Crede (30–28 in 2006) and Ryan Braun (34–29 in 2007).[3]

In 2002, when the Angels won their first World Series championship, Anderson finished fourth in the Most Valuable Player voting after compiling a .306 average with 29 home runs and 123 runs batted in, including a 3-run double in the third inning of Game 7 which would turn out to be the series-winning hit. Anderson also scored a career-high 93 runs; however, the fact that he never scored 100 in a season was a result of his main weakness as a player – an inability to draw walks and achieve a high on-base percentage. Anderson had a similarly strong performance in 2003, and was named an American League All-Star. That All-Star weekend, he stole the show by becoming the Home Run Derby Champion and voted the Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game, the first player to win both since Cal Ripken Jr. in 1991.[4] In 2002 and 2003, Anderson tied for the American League lead in doubles with Nomar Garciaparra and Vernon Wells, respectively.

On April 13, 2004, Anderson agreed to a $48 million, four-year contract extension through 2008. The deal included a team option for 2009 with a $3 million buyout.[5]

Anderson began experiencing chronic ailments in 2004 that limited his playing time and production, including an arthritic condition and plantar fasciitis in his feet. In 2005, he began to see more regular time as a designated hitter to ease the wear and tear on his body. Anderson's production in 2006 was roughly on par with his 2005 production, with both seasons seeing him hit 17 home runs and drive in at least 85 runs.

On August 21, 2007, he drove in a team-record 10 runs, including a grand slam and a three-run homer, in the Los Angeles Angels' 18–9 win over the New York Yankees. Anderson became the 13th player in Major League history to have 10 RBI in a game. Anderson now holds the team record for grand slams with eight and RBIs in a game with ten. This performance has been part of a general resurgence in the second half of the 2007 season, a relief to Angels fans who may have wondered if Anderson's career was near its end after a mediocre, injury-plagued first half. Instead, Anderson has led the majors in RBI in the latter part of 2007. On September 7, Anderson drove in a run on an RBI single, to set a franchise record for most consecutive games with an RBI with 11. The streak lasted for 12 games, during which time he drove in 22 runs.

On October 28, 2008, the Angels announced they would decline their $14 million option on Anderson's contract and exercised a $3 million buyout.[6]

Atlanta Braves

[edit]
Anderson with the Braves in 2009

On February 24, 2009, Anderson agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves for $2.5 million.[7] On April 5, 2009, in the Braves' first game of the season, Anderson collected the 2,369th hit of his career, and the first he had with any franchise besides the Angels.

On July 2, 2009, Anderson hit the first career pinch-hit home run of his career.[8]

On October 1, 2009, Anderson became the 89th player to reach 2,500 base hits, getting a single off Washington Nationals pitcher Garrett Mock.[9]

Los Angeles Dodgers

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On March 3, 2010, Anderson agreed to a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.[10] He made the 25-man opening day roster as a reserve outfielder. In his first at bat with the Dodgers, he hit a pinch-hit single off Brendan Donnelly, his former Angels teammate. His first home run with the Dodgers came on April 22, when he hit a pinch-hit 2-run homer against the Cincinnati Reds.

Anderson was designated for assignment August 8, 2010[11] after hitting only .181 in 155 at bats, and was granted his release on August 10.

Retirement

[edit]

On March 1, 2011, Anderson announced his retirement in a statement issued by the Angels.[12]

As of 2012, Anderson was an Angels pregame and postgame reporter during home games and some road games on Fox Sports West, along with former teammate Tim Salmon.

He appeared on the ballot for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum 2016 election and earned one vote.[13]

In 2016, Anderson was inducted into the Angels' Hall of Fame.[14]

Career statistics

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Years Games PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB SO AVG OBP SLG FLD%
17 2228 9177 8640 1084 2529 522 36 287 1365 80 429 1224 .293 .324 .461 .989

In the postseason, in 5 American League Division Series, 2 American League Championship Series and 1 World Series covering 36 games from 2002 to 2008, Anderson batted .245 (36-for-147) with 17 runs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs and 22 RBI.

Highlights

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Awards

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Championships and accomplishments

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  • From 1997 to 2003, was second only to Derek Jeter in hits among all Major League players
  • On the 2002 World Series championship team
  • Won the Home Run Derby and All Star Game MVP known as the Ted Williams Award in 2003
  • Led the American League in doubles in 2002 and 2003
  • Holds the club record for RBIs (broke the old mark held by Tim Salmon in 2005)
  • Holds the club-record for most RBI in a single game, 10 (August 21, 2007)
  • Holds the club-record for most consecutive games with an RBI, 12 (September 7, 2007)
  • Collected his 2,000th career hit on July 1, 2006.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Garret Joseph Anderson (born June 30, 1972) is an American former professional baseball outfielder who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1994 to 2010, primarily as a left fielder for the California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Drafted by the Angels in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 1990 MLB Draft out of John F. Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, California, Anderson made his major league debut on July 27, 1994, and quickly established himself as a consistent power hitter and defensive stalwart in the outfield. Over his career, he compiled a .293 batting average with 2,529 hits, 287 home runs, and 1,365 runs batted in (RBIs) across 2,228 games, while also recording 109 outfield assists. Anderson spent the bulk of his career with the Angels (1994–2008), where he became a franchise cornerstone, holding all-time records for games played (2,013), hits (2,368), doubles (504), RBIs (1,292), total bases (3,822), grand slams (6), and outfield assists (116) as of 2025. His tenure included a pivotal role in the Angels' 2002 World Series championship, their only title in franchise history, where he batted .300 with two home runs during the postseason. Anderson earned three All-Star selections (2002, 2003, 2005), won two Silver Slugger Awards (2002, 2003) as the top offensive outfielder in the American League, and was named the 2003 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player after going 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the American League's 7–6 victory. That same year, he claimed the Home Run Derby title at the All-Star festivities in Chicago, where he hit a total of 22 home runs and edged out Albert Pujols 9-8 in the final round. Later in his career, Anderson played for the (2009), where he posted a .278 average with 18 home runs, and concluded with the (2010), batting .220 in 78 games before retiring at age 38. Known for his smooth left-handed swing, durability, and strong arm—evidenced by his franchise-leading outfield assists—Anderson finished his career with a 25.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and remains a celebrated figure in Angels lore, inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2015.

Early life

Family background

Garret Joseph Anderson was born on June 30, 1972, in , . He was the only child of teenage parents Garret Anderson Sr. and Lieta Smith, who married briefly when they were 17 and 15 years old, respectively, but divorced after three years. Anderson's father worked as a wine delivery driver, occasionally taking his son along in the truck during his childhood. His mother, who raised him as a , supported the family through low-paying jobs while they moved frequently across neighborhoods in the area, including Long Beach, Cerritos, and Granada Hills—relocating a total of 11 times before Anderson reached high school. Despite financial hardships and an unstable home life, Anderson's family encouraged his athletic interests, with his mother ensuring he attended daycare and followed strict safety rules in their urban setting, such as calling home immediately after school. Growing up in the sports-rich environment of , where was prominent amid the city's professional teams and community leagues, Anderson developed an early passion for the sport through Little League participation, though he asked his mother to avoid games due to neighborhood safety concerns. He initially explored and football before focusing on as his primary pursuit, a progression that aligned with the diverse athletic opportunities available in his surroundings.

High school career and draft

Garret Anderson attended High School in Granada Hills, California, graduating in 1990. There, he was a standout multi-sport , participating in , , and football while earning All-L.A. City and All-League honors across the sports. In , Anderson primarily played as an and occasionally pitched. As a junior in 1989, he was selected to the All-Valley Baseball Team and named an All-City Section . He helped lead Kennedy to the Los Angeles City Section championship that year, highlighted by a three-run in the playoffs at . During his senior year in 1990, he earned All-City honors again. Following his high school career, Anderson was drafted by the California Angels in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 1990 MLB June Amateur Draft out of High School. He signed with the Angels on June 16, 1990, receiving a $60,000 signing bonus as part of his initial professional contract.

Professional career

Minor leagues and MLB debut

Following his selection by the California Angels in the fourth round of the 1990 MLB Draft out of High School in , Garret Anderson began his professional career in the Angels' system. In 1990, he split time between the rookie-level Arizona Angels, where he hit .213 in 32 games, and the short-season Class A of the , batting .253 with one in 25 games. His early performance highlighted contact-oriented hitting but revealed challenges with plate discipline, as he drew just six walks against 42 strikeouts across both stops. Anderson progressed steadily through the Angels' affiliates in the following years. At Class A in the in 1991, he played a full season, batting .260 with two home runs and 42 RBIs in 105 games, earning recognition as the organization's No. 8 prospect by Baseball America for his smooth left-handed swing. Promoted to High Class A Palm Springs in the in 1992, he excelled with a .323 and 62 RBIs in 81 games before a midseason jump to Double-A Midland, where he hit .274 in 39 games; that year, he ranked as the Angels' No. 8 prospect. In 1993, Anderson reached Triple-A with the of the , posting a .293 , four home runs, and 71 RBIs over 124 games, demonstrating emerging gap power with 34 doubles while solidifying his status as the No. 6 organizational prospect. Across his tenure from 1990 to 1993, he maintained a .280 with 10 home runs and 216 RBIs in 406 games, reflecting consistent advancement through the system. Anderson made his major league debut on July 27, 1994, as a for the Angels against the at , recording two hits in four at-bats during a 11-3 loss. His first MLB hit came in that game, a single off Athletics starter Steve Ontiveros. Over his initial five games that season, Anderson went 5-for-13 for a .385 average with one RBI, showcasing quick adaptation to big-league pitching through solid contact but limited power. Scouts and early observers noted his debut as a promising sign of the toolsy outfielder's readiness, aligning with his reputation for line-drive hitting.

Los Angeles Angels (1994–2007)

Garret Anderson began his major league career with the California Angels, making his debut on July 27, 1994, after a promising progression that prepared him for immediate impact. He quickly transitioned into the role of the team's everyday left fielder, a position he held for much of his tenure through 2007, logging over 1,500 games in left field for the franchise. Anderson's defensive prowess was marked by a strong throwing arm and solid range, contributing positively to the Angels' stability; his career Total Zone Runs as a left fielder ranked fourth all-time at 95, with a standout 2003 season where he led the with 25 runs above average. From 1994 to 1999, Anderson developed into a reliable offensive contributor, batting over .300 in three seasons while establishing himself as a line-drive hitter with gap power. In , his first full season, he hit .321 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. By , he posted a .303 average with 92 RBIs, and in 1999, he slashed .303/.333/.539 with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs, solidifying his status as a core player alongside , with whom he formed a productive tandem and close friendship that endured through their shared championship pursuit. Anderson reached his offensive peak from 2000 to 2003, showcasing power and consistency that anchored the Angels' lineup. In 2000, he belted a career-high 35 home runs with 117 RBIs; he followed with 28 homers and 123 RBIs in 2001. The 2002 season saw him hit .306 with 29 home runs, 123 RBIs, and a league-leading 56 doubles, tying the American League single-season record shared with . In 2003, Anderson earned his second consecutive after batting .315 with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs, finishing 14th in AL MVP voting; he was selected to three All-Star Games during this stretch (2002, 2003, 2005). The pinnacle of Anderson's Angels tenure came in 2002, when his contributions helped propel the team to its first World Series championship. During the postseason, he batted .281 with six RBIs across seven games, including a crucial three-run double in the third inning of Game 7 that gave the Angels a 3-2 lead en route to a 4-1 victory over the Giants. His regular-season performance that year, finishing fourth in AL MVP voting, underscored his role as a driving force in the Angels' 99-win campaign. From 2004 to 2007, Anderson maintained steady production despite occasional injuries, batting .283 or higher in three of those seasons while driving in at least 75 runs annually. In 2005, he hit .283 with 17 home runs and earned his third nod; the following year, he recorded 85 RBIs in 141 games. By 2007, at age 35, he still managed a .297 average with 16 home runs in 108 games, capping a 15-year run of durability and loyalty to the organization where he became one of its most prolific hitters.

Atlanta Braves (2009)

On February 24, 2009, Garret Anderson signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the as a , ending his 15-year tenure with the and bringing his consistent power-hitting reputation to the National League. The deal positioned him as the primary left fielder and a key middle-of-the-order bat for a Braves team seeking to bolster its offense after a disappointing 2008 season. Anderson made an immediate impact in his Braves debut on April 5, 2009, against the Philadelphia Phillies, going 1-for-4 with a single that tied him with for 26th place on the all-time hits list at 2,369. Over the course of the season, he appeared in 135 games, batting .268 with 13 home runs, 61 RBIs, 27 doubles, and a .705 , providing steady production in the cleanup spot despite the adjustment to a new league and ballpark. His power output, including a notable three-RBI performance in a May 6 win over the , helped stabilize the lineup amid injuries to other outfielders. However, Anderson's year was marred by several injuries that disrupted his rhythm and contributed to a below-average overall impact, as evidenced by his -1.4 . He suffered a strained left muscle on April 24, landing on the 15-day disabled list and missing 10 games before returning on May 5. A lower back strain in late further limited his availability, forcing him to the day-to-day list alongside other outfield ailments. These setbacks, combined with his age (37) and career-low .303 , led to increased platooning with and occasional duties, shifting him from an everyday role to a more situational contributor by season's end. The Braves granted Anderson free agency on November 5, 2009, after he hit .260 over the final two months, concluding his lone season in with the team finishing 86-76 and out of the .

Los Angeles Dodgers and later attempts (2010–2011)

Following his departure from the after the 2009 season, Anderson signed a minor league contract with the on March 3, 2010, with an invitation to as a non-roster invitee. The deal included a $550,000 salary if he made the major league roster, plus up to $200,000 in performance incentives based on plate appearances. As a native and former Angels star, Anderson was viewed as a potential left-handed bat off the bench, primarily for pinch-hitting duties, though he had expressed willingness to transition to first base if needed. Anderson impressed enough in spring training to secure a spot on the roster as a reserve . His contract was selected from Triple-A Albuquerque on April 4, and he debuted with the majors on April 5. Over the course of the year, at age 38, Anderson appeared in 80 games, primarily as a platoon player and occasional starter in left field and at against right-handed pitching. His performance was hampered by lingering injuries, reduced mobility, and a noticeable decline in power and speed, resulting in a .181 (28 hits in 155 at-bats), two home runs, and 12 RBIs, with a .202 and .271 . These struggles reflected broader challenges in adapting to a diminished role in the National League, where his lack of positional versatility and defensive range became more evident. On August 8, 2010, the Dodgers designated Anderson for assignment to make room on the roster, and he was outrighted to the minors before being granted an unconditional release on August 9 after clearing waivers. Following his release, Anderson did not secure another major league contract or deal for the remainder of 2010 or during the 2011 season, as his age, injury history, and subpar production deterred potential suitors. Anderson officially announced his retirement on March 1, 2011. This period marked the unsuccessful twilight of his professional playing career, with no further on-field opportunities materializing.

Post-playing career

Retirement announcement

On March 1, 2011, Garret Anderson officially announced his retirement from after his release by the Dodgers in August 2010 and failing to secure a major league contract for the 2011 season. In a personal statement, Anderson reflected on his 17-year career, during which he played 2,228 games and expressed mixed emotions about leaving the sport he loved, missing the daily grind, clutch hits, clubhouse camaraderie, defensive plays, and the roar of the crowd. He described playing as a profound privilege and offered an emotional farewell, apologizing to Angels fans for his reserved demeanor that sometimes led to misunderstandings while thanking them for their support. The announcement drew tributes from the Angels organization, with manager lauding Anderson's calm confidence, passion for winning, and pivotal contributions to the team's success, including the championship. Former teammates, such as pitcher , also praised him as a "first-class guy" and the epitome of an Angel, highlighting his quiet leadership and professionalism.

Broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from professional baseball in 2011, Garret Anderson transitioned into broadcasting with the Los Angeles Angels organization. In 2012, he began serving as a pregame and postgame analyst for the team's home games on Fox Sports West, providing commentary alongside former teammate . Anderson's role involved delivering postgame analysis starting in late May 2012, where he drew on his extensive playing experience to offer insights into game strategies and player performances. His reserved demeanor from his 15-year career as an Angels translated to a straightforward analytical style, focusing on practical observations rather than showmanship, which helped viewers understand the nuances of Angels from an insider's perspective. As of 2025, Anderson continues as a part-time pre- and postgame analyst on Bally Sports West (formerly Fox Sports West), contributing to regional broadcasts and special segments like fan Q&A sessions. His work has included appearances on shows such as Angels Live, where he leverages his franchise records and championship knowledge to contextualize current team dynamics.

Angels Hall of Fame induction

Garret Anderson was inducted into the Hall of Fame on August 20, 2016, becoming the 14th individual to receive the honor in a pregame ceremony at in Anaheim. The event featured a special video tribute highlighting his career achievements, followed by standing ovations from the crowd as his initials were painted in the left field grass, symbolizing his long tenure as the team's primary left fielder. Arte Moreno presented Anderson with a Hall of Fame ring and a red jacket, marking the formal recognition of his contributions to the franchise. The ceremony drew a gathering of former teammates, including , , , Gary Matthews Jr., , , , and , who shared remarks praising Anderson's talent, passion, and unique playing style. and also offered comments, emphasizing Anderson's impact on the team during their championship run. Anderson wore his ring during the event, a nod to his pivotal three-run double in Game 7 that helped secure the title. In his induction speech, Anderson expressed deep humility, stating, "When someone takes the time to honor you for your accomplishments, to me it's very humbling." He reflected on his reserved personality during his playing days, showing remorse for not being more outgoing, while delivering the lengthy address with a bright smile that contrasted his on-field demeanor. The induction recognized Anderson as the Angels' all-time leader in several key offensive categories, including hits (2,368), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), and RBIs (1,292), underscoring his consistency and productivity over 14 seasons with the team.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Garret Anderson met his future wife, , in junior high , and the couple in 1993 during his fourth season in the Los Angeles Angels' system. Anderson and have three children: a daughter, Brianne, and two sons, Bailey and Garret III. Throughout Anderson's MLB , provided significant support amid the demands of frequent travel and road games; for instance, she often accompanied him on trips with a babysitter in tow, while the children typically remained at home, and Anderson once flew back from Kansas City solely to attend a doctor's appointment for their young son Bailey—who was diagnosed as autistic as of 2002—before returning to the team. This family dynamic, influenced by Anderson's upbringing under his mother's care despite multiple relocations, helped maintain balance during his professional commitments.

Privacy and later residence

After retiring from Major League Baseball in 2011, Garret Anderson has maintained a low public profile, limiting his media engagements primarily to selective broadcasting appearances rather than pursuing broader publicity. Details on his personal investments are scarce in public records, though his net worth is estimated at around $40 million as of 2024 based on earnings from his 17-season MLB career.

Career statistics and records

MLB batting and fielding statistics

Garret Anderson played 17 seasons in from 1994 to 2010, primarily as a left fielder, accumulating 2,228 games with a batting line of .293 average, 2,529 , 287 home runs, and 1,365 runs batted in over 8,640 at-bats. His career (OPS) stood at .785, with an adjusted OPS+ of 102, indicating slightly above-average offensive production relative to league and park factors. Defensively, Anderson logged 16,425.2 in the outfield across 1,913 games, recording 4,057 putouts, 109 assists, and 48 errors for a .989 fielding , while his total zone runs metric totaled 97, reflecting solid but not elite range and arm strength. Advanced metrics highlight his overall value, with a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 25.7, driven more by consistent hitting and longevity than defensive prowess; he received no Gold Glove nominations during his tenure. Anderson's batting performance varied year to year, peaking in the early with multiple seasons over .300 average and 100+ RBIs, before a gradual decline in his later years marked by reduced power and contact. His fielding stats showed consistent reliability in putouts and low rates, particularly in his prime, though advanced defensive metrics like revised zone rating (Rdr) were mixed, often neutral or negative in later seasons due to diminishing speed. These underscore Anderson's role as a durable, line-drive hitter and steady who contributed reliably to his teams' lineups without standout peaks in either category.

Year-by-Year Batting Statistics

SeasonTeamGABRH2B3BHRRBIBBSOSBCSAVGOBPSLGOPS
1994CAL5130500010200.385.385.385.769
1995CAL106374501201911669196562.321.352.505.857
1996CAL150607791733321272278479.285.314.405.719
1997ANA154624761893638923070104.303.334.409.743
1998ANA156622621834171579298083.294.325.455.780
1999ANA157620881883622180348134.303.336.469.806
2000ANA1596479218540335117248776.286.307.519.827
2001ANA161672831943922812327100136.289.314.478.792
2002ANA1586389319556329123308064.306.332.539.871
2003ANA1596388020149429116318363.315.345.541.885
2004LAA112442571332011475297521.301.343.446.789
2005LAA142575681633411796238411.283.308.435.743
2006LAA141543631522821785389510.280.323.433.756
2007LAA108417671243111680275410.297.336.492.827
2008LAA145557661632731584297774.293.325.433.758
2009ATL135496521332701361277310.268.303.401.705
2010LAD801558286121253410.181.204.271.475
Career-2,2288,6401,0842,529522362871,3654291,2248047.293.324.461.785
Source: Batting statistics compiled from official MLB records.

Year-by-Year Fielding Statistics (Outfield)

SeasonTeamGGSInnChPOAEFld%RtotRtot/yrRdrsRdrs/yrRF/9RF/G
1994CAL4328.01010001.000121N/AN/A3.212.50
1995CAL10093825.222521375.978913N/AN/A2.402.20
1996CAL1461461,308.032831657.979109N/AN/A2.212.20
1997ANA1481481,326.0360343143.9921715N/AN/A2.422.41
1998ANA1551511,353.1343326116.983-7-6N/AN/A2.242.17
1999ANA1531521,342.141640673.99344N/AN/A2.772.70
2000ANA1481471,308.238938054.99011N/AN/A2.652.60
2001ANA1491491,307.232431392.99466N/AN/A2.222.16
2002ANA1471471,276.231130272.9941211N/AN/A2.182.10
2003ANA1441441,241.1340326131.9972524002.462.35
2004LAA9492791.221721142.991-7-11-5-82.442.29
2005LAA106106920.021020145.97611-7-92.011.93
2006LAA9494812.2193192101.000812-6-92.142.05
2007LAA8585724.115214372.987712001.861.76
2008LAA8280689.1153144901.000813002.001.87
2009ATL1241231,026.120119344.98011-11-131.731.59
2010LAD3425234.1423822.952210141.541.18
Career-1,9131,84116,425.24,2144,05710948.989977N/AN/A2.332.24
Source: Fielding statistics from official MLB records, with advanced metrics via Total Zone and Revised Zone Rating.

Los Angeles Angels franchise records

Garret Anderson established himself as one of the most productive hitters in franchise history over his 16 seasons with the team from 1994 to 2008, amassing totals that remain unmatched in several key categories. He holds the franchise record for career hits with 2,368, surpassing all other Angels players in this fundamental measure of offensive output. Similarly, Anderson leads in doubles (489), (3,743), extra-base hits (796), RBI (1,292), and held the record for runs scored (1,024) until it was surpassed by . These achievements underscore his role as a reliable lineup anchor, particularly during the Angels' 2002 World Series-winning campaign and subsequent playoff appearances.
CategoryAnderson's TotalRank (Franchise)
2,3681st
Doubles4891st
3,7431st
Extra-Base Hits7961st
RBI1,2921st
Runs Scored1,0242nd
In addition to his cumulative records, Anderson set a single-season franchise mark for doubles with 56 in 2002, a total that tied for the major league lead that year and shattered the previous Angels record of 42. This performance highlighted his gap power and line-drive hitting style, contributing to a season where he batted .306 with 195 hits overall. Compared to fellow Angels icon , Anderson's records emphasize greater longevity and steady production across more games played (2,013 versus Salmon's 1,672), as evidenced by his substantial edges in doubles (489 to 339) and (3,743 to 2,847). While Salmon excelled in power metrics like home runs, Anderson's consistency in extra-base production and run creation solidified his place as the franchise's all-time hits leader.

Awards and honors

All-Star appearances and Silver Sluggers

Garret Anderson was selected to the three times during his career, representing the in 2002, 2003, and 2005. These selections highlighted his consistent offensive production as a left fielder for the Anaheim Angels, where he batted over .300 in each of those seasons and drove in at least 116 runs annually. In the 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in , Anderson earned the starting nod in the outfield after withdrew due to injury, receiving 128,680 fan votes to secure one of the outfield spots ahead of competitors like and . He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including a key single in the eighth inning that helped the rally for a 7-6 victory, earning him the game's award. Anderson's All-Star honors were complemented by two Silver Slugger Awards, recognizing him as the top offensive left fielder in the American League for the 2002 and 2003 seasons. The Silver Slugger, voted on by Major League managers and coaches who name the best hitter at each position excluding their own team's players, underscored Anderson's power and consistency, as he led American League outfielders with 123 RBIs and a .308 batting average in 2002, and followed with 29 home runs and 116 RBIs in 2003. In both years, he edged out notable competitors like Manny Ramirez, who won the award as a right fielder for the Boston Red Sox, amid a field that included other high-performing outfielders such as Vladimir Guerrero and Ichiro Suzuki. These individual accolades were grounded in Anderson's elite batting statistics, including top-tier slugging percentages that placed him among the league leaders in extra-base hits during those campaigns.

World Series championship and other accomplishments

Anderson was a key contributor to the Anaheim Angels' first World Series championship in 2002, when the team defeated the San Francisco Giants in seven games. During the series, he batted .281 with nine hits, three runs scored, and six RBIs over seven games, providing consistent production from the left field position. His most memorable moment came in Game 7, where his three-run double in the third inning off Giants pitcher Russ Ortiz gave the Angels a lead they would not relinquish, securing a 4-1 victory and the title; rookie John Lackey earned the win in relief. This performance capped a postseason run in which Anderson hit safely in 11 of 12 games across the ALDS, ALCS, and World Series. Beyond the championship, Anderson achieved several individual milestones that highlighted his power and consistency. In 2002, he led the with 56 doubles, a career high that underscored his gap-to-gap hitting style and contributed to his fourth-place finish in AL MVP voting. The following year, he tied for the AL lead with 49 doubles while posting a .315 and 29 home runs. Anderson also won the 2003 at the in Chicago, defeating of the Cardinals 9-8 in the finals after hitting 22 total homers (7 in the first round, 6 in the semifinals, and 9 in the finals) across three rounds, marking him as the first Angels player to claim the event. One of Anderson's most distinctive accomplishments was becoming the only player in MLB history to win a , the , and earn MVP honors within a nine-month span—from October 2002 to July 2003—showcasing his peak performance during that period. Additionally, he became the team's all-time leader in runs scored (1,024 in 2006), a mark later surpassed by ; Anderson remains the franchise leader in RBIs with 1,292 as of 2025. His contributions earned him two AL Player of the Week awards in 2003, reflecting his sustained impact.

References

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