Sparky Anderson, the manager who led the Detroit Tigers to their last baseball championship, has been placed in the care of hospice at his Thousands Oaks, Calif. home for complications resulting from dementia.

"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," the Anderson family's said in a statement released Wednesday.

The family also expressed gratitude to the media, which has respected their privacy.

"The Tigers organization is 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," said the Detroit Tigers organization in a statement.

"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 guided the Tigers to a World Series title in 1984 and led them for 17 seasons.

The former Cincinnati Reds skipper was the first manager to win more than 100 games in the American and National leagues. He has 2,194 career wins.

© MMX WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to his report.