Sparky Anderson - Inducted 2002

Born Feb. 22, 1934 in Bridgewater. Anderson, one of the greatest managers in baseball history, is the only South Dakotan inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, entering Cooperstown in 2000. Anderson lived in Bridgewater until moving to California at age 9. In his 1990 autobiography "Sparky!", Anderson said: "I remember more about South Dakota than any part of my life. I remember all the sights, the sounds, the smells, the people. Maybe I remember Bridgewater so well because I was so happy. It wasn't till managing took its place that I was ever so happy again." His plaque in Cooperstown reads: "One of the game's most successful and colorful managers. His 2,194 wins rank third in history behind Connie Mack and John McGraw. The crank that turned the Big Red Machine, his skillful leadership helped those Cincinnati teams dominate in the 1970s. Revered and treasured by his players for his humility, humanity, eternal optimism and knowledge of the game. Baseball's only manager to win a World Series in both leagues and lead two franchises in victories. His teams won three World Series, seven division titles and five pennants, compiling a .619 post-season winning percentage." Anderson won World Series titles with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and '76 and with the Detroit Tigers in 1984. He managed Cincinnati from 1970-78 and Detroit from 1979-95. His career record was 2,194-1,834. His first managing job was in the minors with Toronto in 1964. As a player, the 5-foot-9 170-pounder played one season in the majors, hitting .218 as the starting second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1959. (TOP PHOTO IS SPARKY BEING INTERVIEWED BY FELLOW HALL OF FAMER JOHN EGAN)