Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels' career hits leader and led the team to its only World Series title in 2002, has died at the age of 53, the team announced Friday.
No cause of death was given.
Anderson, who entered the majors with the then-California Angels in 1994 after being drafted in the fourth round in 1990, played 15 of his 17 major league seasons with the franchise and is a member of the team's hall of fame. He finished fourth in American League MVP voting during the 2002 championship season, was a three-time All-Star selection -- including MVP and Home Run Derby champion in 2003 -- and served as a television analyst for Angels broadcasts after his playing career.
"The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise's most beloved icons, Garret Anderson," Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. "Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.
"Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable."
The Angels said they would honor Anderson with a memorial patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season. There also will be a moment of silence and a video tribute prior to Friday's game.
"Garret Anderson was a huge part of Angels history and inspired so many of us who wear this uniform," Mike Trout wrote on social media. "Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers."
Anderson holds many franchise records, including games played (2,013), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796), doubles (489), grand slams (8) and RBIs (1,292). He also is second in runs scored (1,024).
Anderson's 272 home runs with the franchise are third in Angels history, behind Trout and Tim Salmon. Only Trout has scored more runs in Angels history than Anderson.
In 2002, Anderson batted .306 and drove in a team-leading 123 runs for the then-Anaheim Angels, who won 99 games and earned a wild-card playoff berth. The Halos stormed through the playoffs to the franchise's only championship, overcoming a 3-2 series deficit to Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants to win the World Series.
Anderson was a key factor in the Fall Classic, batting 9-of-32 with six RBIs. He drove in the final three runs of the Series with a tiebreaking three-run double in the third inning of the Angels' 4-1 victory over the Giants in Game 7.
He had a career batting average of .293 with 287 home runs and 1,365 RBIs. His final two seasons were spent with the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively.
Anderson was born in Los Angeles on June 30, 1972. The Angels said Anderson is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, and son Garret "Trey" Anderson III.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.