The second baseman of the future … or not

The Philadelphia Phillies pick up their second baseman of the near future – or so they think – 65 years ago today when they acquire the 5-foot-9, 170-pound George Anderson from the Los Angeles Dodgers for outfielder Rip Repulski and two pitchers, Jim Golden and Gene Snyder.

Anderson’s career in the majors starts well enough as his eighth-inning RBI single on Opening Day 1959 against Cincinnati’s Don Newcombe gives the Phillies a 2-0 lead in a game they eventually win 2-1 at Connie Mack Stadium.

The 25-year-old Anderson, though, hits just .218 in 1959 over 152 games – only future Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn plays in more games that season for Philadelphia – and quickly finds himself back in the minors.

Alas for young George, he never again plays in the majors, although he eventually returns there first as a coach and then as a manager.

By then, George is known more by his nickname, Sparky, and goes on to win three World Series titles – two with Cincinnati, the third with Detroit.

Sparky Anderson ends up managing 26 seasons in the majors, winning 2,194 games between the Reds and Tigers from 1970-95.

When he retires, only Connie Mack (3,731 victories in 53 seasons) and John McGraw (2,763 in 33 years) have more victories as a manager.

Five years after he retires, Anderson – the onetime Phillies second baseman – is inducted into the Hall of Fame for his work as a manager.

Sparky Anderson with fellow Hall of Famer and Reds catcher Johnny Bench