Brian Anderson (anderbr02)

Brian James Anderson

• Bats Both, Throws Left
• Height 6' 1", Weight 190 lb.
• School Wright State University
• High School Geneva (OH) High School
• Debut September 10, 1993
• Final Game May 8, 2005
• Born April 26, 1972 in Portsmouth, VA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Brian Anderson broke school records at Wright State University in innings pitched (97 2/3), strikeouts in one season (110), complete games in a season (11) and wins in a season (11). He was named to the All-Tournament Team of the 1992 Mid-Continent Conference Tournament and was selected a third team All-American by the NCAA coaches poll in 1992. Anderson was again named to the All-Tournament team of the 1993 Mid-Continent Conference Tournament and ESPN analyst Peter Gammons touted him as one of the top three pitching prospects in the 1993 amateur draft. He was the third overall selection in that draft by the California Angels and made his big league debut on September 10.

After a solid performance in the 1997 World Series with the Cleveland Indians, he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with their first pick in the 1998 expansion draft. He won a ring in 2001 with them, then returned to Cleveland before being flipped to the Kansas City Royals in 2003. On August 4, 2004, after starting the season 0-9, Brian pitched a two-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox. This was arguably the best start of Brian's career and one of his last great moments. He struggled throughout 2004, then underwent two Tommy John surgeries following his final big league appearance in 2005. When he tore his UCL a third time in spring training 2008, it was the end of the line.

After two years in a part-time role, Brian became the full-time color commentator on Tampa Bay Rays broadcasts beginning with the 2011 season.

Notable Achievements

• 1994 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 2 (1998 & 2000)
• Won a World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001.