BASEBALL : DAILY REPORT : ANGELS : Sparky Says It’s Great to Be a Tiger

Sparky Anderson, who reached his 1,000th managing victory with Detroit Friday night, will probably pass the 1,900 mark for his career this season. In 22 years with Cincinnati and Detroit, he has 1,863 victories, 10th on the all-time list led by Connie Mack’s 3,776.

Anderson took over the Tigers in 1979.

“Not to put down the other places I’ve been, but I’m happy I did it in Detroit,” he said. “I don’t believe any manager in the history of baseball has been treated like I’ve been in Detroit. I’ve been treated like a king, never once have I been questioned or told to do something. The front office has never interfered in 13 years.”

Detroit has changed its pitching rotation, inserting Dan Gakeler, a 27-year-old right-hander who will make his major league debut today against the Angels after seven years in the minor leagues with three organizations. He is taking the turn scheduled for John Cerutti, who is 0-2 with a 4.66 earned-run average.