John Sanders

John Frank Sanders

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 200 lb.
• School University of Northern Colorado
• High School Grand Island High School
• Debut April 13, 1965
• Final Game April 13, 1965
• Born November 20, 1945 in Grand Island, NE USA
• Died February 3, 2022 in Woodstock, GA USA

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Biographical Information

John Sanders had one game in the major leagues but has had a life in baseball.

Sanders was a top star at Grand Island High School in Nebraska, being named all-state football quarterback, all-state basketball, and winner of the discus event at the state track meet.

When Sanders graduated in June 1964, he was signed by the Kansas City Athletics and scout Whitey Herzog for a $25,000 a bonus. He spent one year in the minors, hitting .433 in limited time for the 1964 Wytheville A's. He appeared in one game during his major league career, as a pinch runner in the 8th inning of an 8-3 Kansas City loss to the DetroitTigers on April 13, 1965. The Boston Red Sox then claimed him off waivers from the A's in May.

The only extensive playing time of his professional baseball career came with the 1965 Wellsville Red Sox, for whom he hit .309 with 9 homers and 69 RBI. He hit .140 for the 1966 Jacksonville Suns, .185/~.281/.238 the next year for the Williamsport Mets and .083 in 1968 to complete his career with the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms.

After his playing days, he coached at the University of Nebraska from 1978 to 1997. He also managed the GCL Red Sox from 1999 to 2002.

He is in the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame.

Year-By-Year Minor League Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs
1999	GCL Red Sox	Gulf Coast League	30-29	7th	Boston Red Sox
2000	GCL Red Sox	Gulf Coast League	29-26	7th	Boston Red Sox
2001	GCL Red Sox	Gulf Coast League	37-22	2nd	Boston Red Sox	Lost in 1st round
2002	GCL Red Sox	Gulf Coast League	26-34	11th	Boston Red Sox

Related Sites

• Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame: John Sanders (includes photo)