When Sparky took over as the Tigers manager in 1979, I was eight years old.  When he retired, I was 24.  So throughout the time I was developing as a baseball fan, Sparky was always there.  That’s why I’m saddened to hear that Sparky has been put into hospice care.

In the past, there were two guys I’d pull the car over to the side of the road to listen to if they were interviewed.  One was Ernie Harwell, and the other was Sparky.  The guy always kept things interesting and my I wish his family the best in these tough times.

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