This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/19/2014.
This item was sourced directly from the Anderson family. The entire “Sparky” Anderson Collection will be a part of Grey Flannel’s 2014 Holiday Auction this November. George “Sparky” Anderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. Anderson was the skipper of the “Big Red Machine”, the nickname given to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team that dominated the National League in the 1970s. The team is widely recognized as being among the best teams in baseball history. In his nine seasons in Cincinnati, Anderson’s teams compiled a record of 863 wins and 586 losses (.595 Win%). His teams played in four World Series, winning back-to-back titles in 1975 and 1976. Anderson also led the 1984 Detroit Tigers to a World Series title, he and fellow Hall of Famer Tony La Russa are the only managers to have coached teams in both leagues to a World Series title. At the time of his retirement, Anderson ranked third on the all-time managerial wins list. This bronze plaque measures 10” x 15” and weighs 17 lbs. It was presented to Hall of Famer “Sparky” Anderson when he was elected to the Cincinnati Hall of Fame on July 16, 1999. The plaque features the casted image of Anderson in his Reds uniform above the following text in relief: “George “Sparky” Anderson - Inducted July 16, 1999 - Manager of the Big Red Machine - 1970 – 1978 - Skipper of 863 Reds wins, most in the team history, World Series Champions: 1975, 1976 - National League Champions: 1970, 1972, 1975, 1976 - NL Western Division Champions: 1970, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976 - NL Manager of the Year: 1972, 1975 - “The Main Spark”. The plaque is in MINT condition and is accompanied by an Anderson Family LOA.