Anderson Excelled in Dual Role for Buena

Although the postseason awards have been rolling in nonstop, baseball season is hardly over for Matt Anderson of Buena High.

Anderson, who pitched 51 innings for the Channel League-champion Bulldogs, expects to throw at least another 50 innings before his season ends.

Anderson, who was drafted and signed by the Baltimore Orioles last week, has been assigned to pitch for the Bluefield Orioles, in Bluefield, W. Va.

The rookie team is composed primarily of recently drafted high school and junior college graduates and competes in the Appalachian League. The season begins next week and runs through late August.

Anderson will make his first trip away from home Sunday when he flies to Bluefield.

“I can’t wait. I’m really excited,” Anderson said. “I need to get out and get a chance to grow up.

“The Orioles promised that I would move right into their rookie team’s starting rotation.”

The left-hander posted a 7-1 record and 1.49 earned-run average while leading the Bulldogs to the Southern Section 4-A Division quarterfinals where they lost to Hart, 10-7. Anderson, troubled by a sore elbow, allowed five runs in two innings.

Anderson was also among Ventura County leaders in batting average (.465), doubles (7), triples (3), home runs (7) and runs batted in (31).

He signed a letter of intent with Cal State Northridge and was prepared to continue his career at the college level. Matt’s older brother Mark played at Northridge and in 1984 helped the Matadors win a Division II national championship.

Matt planned to follow in Mark’s footsteps until Baltimore made him the first pick of the fifth round June 5.

Matt’s father, Bud Anderson, wanted him to earn a college degree before pursuing a professional career. Bud’s baseball career ended after four season in the Boston Red Sox minor league system.

“I took a pessimistic attitude that I would never sign with Orioles,” Anderson said. “I didn’t think the Orioles would offer me enough money where I would be willing to give up my scholarship.”

The Orioles, however, made a favorable impression last Wednesday by offering a signing bonus, a trust fund toward a college education and a chance to pitch immediately.

“It seemed like the right thing to do,” Anderson said.

Anderson would not disclose the amount of his signing bonus, but it is believed to be in the $50,000 range. Anderson did say that he received $20,000 to be put in a trust fund toward a college education after he leaves baseball.

“We think he’s good enough to go all the way and play in the majors,” Bud Anderson said.

Apparently, the Orioles believe so, too.