Sparky Anderson, who managed the Cincinnati Reds to two World Championships and the Detroit Tigers to another, has passed away from complications of dementia.
Some of my fellow fans of the Tigers were a little quick to criticize him when he pulled a starting pitcher, maybe a little too early (earning him the nickname "Captain Hook"). And he did manage some not-so-good teams. But through it all, he always seemed so friendly and grandfatherly.
His baseball conversations rambled. The syntax was garbled. But he had a heart for people.
Sparky established CATCH, a charitable organization for, I believe, sick children. And my favorite Sparky saying was "It don't cost you a dime to be nice to somebody."
On the mornings of road games, he would take walks with broadcaster Ernie Harwell (who passed away just this spring). Wouldn't you have loved to be in on that conversation between two legends? Now, I am sure that they are walking the streets of heaven.
Sorry this diary is so short, but I need to get to work, and wanted to post. RIP, Sparky.