The Tucson native and standout at Arizona is serving as the Wildcats’ undergraduate assistant, working with UA outfielders and coaching first base.
Michael Lev ARLINGTON, Texas — Chip Hale wasn’t the only former Arizona baseball star who went back to school last summer.
Anderson hadn’t graduated, which made him a perfect fit. Every program is allowed to have an undergraduate assistant coach. Former UA pitcher Cameron Ming served that role last season. Anderson, 39, has plenty of wisdom to impart after a pro career he described as “underachieving.” The White Sox selected Anderson in the first round of the 2003 MLB draft after he batted .342 across three seasons at Arizona. But Anderson never became a full-time starter, and he played his last MLB game at age 27. An attempted comeback — as a pitcher — was thwarted by an arm injury.
Your most memorable moment came against the Twins in the last game of the ’08 season — a diving catch to end the game and send the White Sox to the postseason.What do you remember about that play? “I told myself, ‘Man, I don't want to be a backup anymore. If I don't get back to starting, I'll probably try pitching.’ Trey Hillman said, ‘Hey, we might need you to start in Triple-A for a couple of weeks or back up Jose Guillen .’ And I just wasn't on board with that. My 27-year-old brain was like, ‘It's black and white, it’s A or B.’
“This time with your teammates, going across the street in the freezing cold to work out with your team, that experience and getting to do all that stuff far outweighs ... the accolades that go along with pro ball.”A: “Both very intense. Very different deliveries. Coach Stitt will pierce you with his eyes, his eye contact. Coach Lopez has a way with words. He’s a very creative guy, probably one of the best public speakers I've ever met. He can absolutely melt you with his words.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UA vice president resigns after prostitution arrestMyron Pope, the vice president of student life at the University of Alabama, has resigned from his post after being arrested on a charge of soliciting prostitution, according to the school and police.
Read more »
On podcast, ex-UA coach Sean Miller praises Cats and Tommy Lloyd, predicts end to NCAA sagaNews and notes from No. 3-ranked Arizona’s 83-69 win over Oregon State Thursday night in McKale Center.
Read more »
'The First Lady' Drops First Trailer Starring Viola Davis as Michelle ObamaHere's what to know about the series, starring Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Gillian Anderson.
Read more »
In retirement, former Padres star Adrian Gonzalez sets record straight on departure from clubYears after being traded away, All-Star first baseman attempted to finish career with hometown team
Read more »
Wildcats will try to jump-start offense in Hillenbrand InvitationalThe No. 9 Wildcats (3-1) enter this weekend’s Hillenbrand Invitational with optimism.
Read more »
El Camino garners revenge on Mount Miguel at right timeWildcats advance in girls basketball Open Division
Read more »