Baseball's Sparky Anderson is now under hospice care, at the age of 76. The Former Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds manager was placed under hospice care in California home due to complications resulting from his deteriorating dementia.

In a statement, the Anderson family announced this development while expressing their appreciation to all friends and fans for the support and kindness they have shown throughout Hall of Fame Manager Anderson Sparky's career and even after his retirement five years ago from the Cincinnati Reds.

Both Detroit Tigers and Cincinnati Reds expressed their sadness over Anderson's deteriorating health.

"We are very sad to hear the news of Sparky's failing health. Every day here we are reminded of his contribution to the success of this proud franchise. The Reds' family offers its prayers and support to Sparky and his family during this difficult time," Cincinnati Reds President and CEO Bob Castinelli said in a statement.

Detroit Tigers from which Anderson is yet t officially retire, said they are saddened by the news of Sparky's illness.

"We will keep Sparky, his wife, Carol, and the entire Anderson family in our thoughts and prayers."

"Sparky led one of the most beloved teams in franchise history to the World Series title in 1984 and remains the winningest manager in franchise history. His contributions to the Detroit Tigers remain a significant part of the club's history."

Anderson was the first manager to win a World Series for both a National League and American League team. Anderson was the first to achieve 600 career wins as a manager in both the American and National Leagues with his win over the Milwaukee Brewers on July 29, 1986.

In a page at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Champ Summers is quoted, describing Sparky Anderson as one who "got style and charisma and knows how to manage and get the best out of his players."

According to his Hall of Fame biography, Sparky Anderson's career totals include 2,194 victories, the third most in Major League history, two Manager of the Year Awards, five league pennants and three World Series crowns. His heavy use of the bullpen staff earned him the nickname "Captain Hook," a practice which has now become the standard for Major League Baseball.