Anecdotes

First Major League Baseball manager to guide teams in both the National League and American League to World Series titles. 1975 and 1976, Sparky Anderson was the manager of National League team Cincinnati Reds, leading them to World Series Championship, in 1975, 4 wins and 3 losses against the Boston Red Sox. But in 1976, Cincinnati Reds swept New York Yankees 4 to 0. His American League World Series Championship, he was manager of the Detroit Tigers, in 1984, 4 wins and 1 loss to National League team, San Diego Padres.

Managed a total of 4030 games in the major leagues, winning 2194, losing 1834, for a winning percentage of .545.

As manager of the Reds, he earned the nickname "Captain Hook" for his tendency to pull his starting pitchers from games at the slightest sign of trouble.

Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Committee on Baseball Veterans in 2000.

Managed the American League team, Detroit Tigers from 1979-1995, won the 1984 World Series, four to one against National League team, San Diego Padres.

1984 and 1987 American League Manager of the Year.

Played 152 games for the Philadelphia Phillies at second base in 1959, with a batting average of .218.

Managed the National League team, Cincinnati Reds from 1970-1978, winning the World Series in 1975, against the American league team, Boston Red Sox, 4 wins and 3 losses. In 1976, the Cincinnati Reds' opponent were the American League team, New York Yankees and went undefeated, 4 to 0.

Given the nickname "Sparky", due to his explosive attitude towards the umpires when he argued with them. A broadcaster said when he argued with an ump, "the sparks are flying", which earned him the nickname.

Graduated from Susan Miller Dorsey High School which is located within the Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles.