Chris Anderson becomes first JU player selected in MLB draft’s first round

June 7, 2013 All Sections, Current Affairs, Wave Weekly

By JU Athletics

The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Jacksonville University junior Chris Anderson on Thursday, June 6 in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Taken with the No. 18 overall pick, Anderson is the highest-drafted player in JU’s history.

“Today is a great day for Chris Anderson and his family,” JU head coach Tim Montez said of the Lino Lakes, Minn., native. “Three years ago when we recruited him, we talked about him being drafted within the first three rounds by the time he was a junior. He took a leap of faith by leaving Minnesota and making Jacksonville University his college of choice.

“He did all the little things that put him in the position he is in today. I know the entire University is so proud of Chris, especially all of the alumni that have worn the green and gold over the years.”

The 6’4″, 225-pound right-handed pitcher posted an Atlantic Sun Conference best 101 strikeouts this season — 21 more than any pitcher in the league and the 24th highest total in the nation. He compiled a 2.49 earned run average in 104.2 innings while limiting hitters to a .231 batting average.

Anderson is the first Dolphin to be taken MLB First-Year Player Draft’s first round; last season, JU’s Adam Brett Walker was selected by the Minnesota Twins. JU has had four second-round draft picks, including Tom McMillian as the 29th overall selection in 1973, Mike Christ as the 30th overall pick in 1984, Stuart Foulks as the 34th overall pick in 1982, and Nick Regilio as the 72nd overall pick in 1999.

Here’s a video of Anderson being selected by the Dodgers: