Former Tigers manager Sparky Anderson is seriously ill.

In a message released today by his family, it was learned that the 76-year-old Hall of Fame manager who guided the Tigers to their 1984 World Series championship "has been placed in the care of hospice at his home in Thousand Oaks, California for complications resulting from dementia." Included in the announcement was an expression of gratitude.

"The Anderson family — wife Carol, sons Lee and Albert, and daughter Shirley Englebrecht — wishes to express appreciation to all friends and fans for the support and kindness they have shown throughout Sparky's career and retirement," according to the message.

"The family is particularly grateful for the respect for privacy the national and local media have demonstrated during this trying period.

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