Brian Anderson Headlines First Pitch Banquet
12/3/2019 3:05:00 PM | Baseball, Giving
The Wright State baseball team has announced that former Raider and third overall pick in the 1993 Major League Baseball draft Brian Anderson will be the keynote speaker for the 16th annual First Pitch Banquet, presented by Grunder Landscaping, on Friday, January 31, 2020, on the main arena floor in Wright State's Nutter Center.
Arguably one of the greatest athletes in Wright State history, Anderson was the highest drafted Raider ever, going third overall in the 1993 amateur draft by the California (now Los Angeles) Angels. He ranks among the career and single season leaders in wins, ERA, innings pitched, strikeouts and starts at Wright State. Anderson was the only student-athlete to be selected as both a First Team All-American and First Team Academic All-American in 1993 after leading the nation with a 1.14 ERA. Â
During his Raider career, Anderson posted a 27-8 overall record with a 2.23 career ERA, striking out 293 batters and walked only 41 in 290 innings of work. The Mid-Continent Conference Pitcher of the Year in 1992 and 1993, he is the only player in Wright State history to post two seasons with 10 or more wins on the mound. Anderson was inducted in the school's Mary and Al Schwarz Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998.
As a pitcher, Anderson still holds several places in the Raider record books. His 27 career wins and his 293 career strikeouts both rank first, while his 2.23 career earned run average ranks third in program history. Anderson's 1.14 ERA in the 1993 season ranks second for a season-best ERA, and his 11 wins in 1993 rank second for most wins in a season. He hung on for 11 complete games in the 1992 season, which ranks first.
At the major league level, Anderson had a 13-year playing career (1993-2005) with the Angels, Cleveland Indians, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals. Part of the 2001 Arizona team that won the World Series, he compiled an 82-83 overall record with a 4.74 ERA and 723 strikeouts in 1547 innings pitched while giving up only 337 walks. Anderson is now the television analyst for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Anderson is the latest in a long line of highly-regarded speakers. That list includes Hal McCoy (2019), Joe Smith (2018), Pat Murphy (2017), Justin Masterson (2016), Scott Rolen (2015), Dwight Gooden (2014), Dusty Baker (2010), Marty Brennaman (2008), George Foster (2007) and Steve Garvey (2006). Jim "The Rookie" Morris was the first ever speaker for the Wright State First Pitch Banquet in 2005.
The First Pitch Banquet features a sit-down dinner, program, and a silent auction. The proceeds from the evening will benefit current and future student-athletes of the Wright State baseball program. The event cost is $80 for a general admission ticket and $1,200 for a VIP table (seats 10 guests). The VIP table includes a pre-event meet and greet cocktail hour with Brian Anderson and recognition during the program. Doors will open to the public with the silent auction beginning at 6:00 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Gary Dillabaugh at gary.dillabaugh@wright.edu.  Click to purchase tickets. http://bit.ly/2020firstpitch
