For a high school baseball prospect, the decision on whether to go to college or take up a big league club's offer is a big one. College can offer a scholarship and a chance to hone raw skills. A pro club can offer the lure of money and a quicker path to the big time.As we saw the other day, a decision to go pro does not guarantee a lengthy or successful career. Matt Anderson was presented with the same decision, gave the same answer and had similar results.
In a June 1989 article in The Los Angeles Times, Anderson discussed the prospects. He had already signed a letter of intent to go to Cal State Northridge. But the Orioles drafted him in the fifth round.
His father Bud Anderson, who played four years in the Red Sox system without ever seeing Boston, told the reporter it would take a lot to get his son away from college.
"Our family is college oriented," the father told the paper. "I've heard of teams offering a bonus to be put in a trust toward a future college education and that would be a consideration. But, I really couldn't say how much of a bonus it would take."
The bonus was apparently enough. But the son ended up playing two more seasons than his father, still, he never made the majors.
Anderson pitched 42.2 innings for Wausau in 1990, posting a 4.43 ERA. The next year he went 13-9, after moving with the Wausau franchise to Kane County, Illinois.
It was the next year, with Frederick, that Anderson injured his shoulder. He returned to full duty by July 1994. He pitched 108 innings between the single A Albany Polecats and advanced A Frederick Keys. His career ended, never having gotten to AA.
- Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1989: Anderson Weighs No-Lose Decision on Baseball Future
Cards Reviewed: 16/880
Major Leaguers: 7
Never Made the Majors: 9
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 2
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 7
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