PORT ANGELES — A right-hander is poised to lead the first crop of Port Angeles Lefties’ pitchers.
Scott Anderson, a former big league pitcher and Pac-12 player, will instruct the Port Angeles Lefties when they begin their inaugural West Coast League Season in June.
“I am very honored and excited to get back on the field and coach with the Port Angles Lefties organization,” Anderson said.
Matt Acker, co-owner of the Port Angeles franchise, echoed Anderson’s excitement.
“I’m thrilled Scott has decided to join us,” Lefties co-owner Matt Acker said.
“A true educator, mentor, technician. Coaching against his teams was always a challenge. No matter how it turned out, we’d immediately be talking about development and philosophies.”
Acker added, “The man is constantly learning, such a progressive person. Someone I’ve learned a tremendous amount from. He loves baseball and teaching. Just a first-class individual.”
Anderson attended Newport High School in Bellevue and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1980 before opting to play ball at Oregon State University.
After a successful collegiate career with the Beavers, Anderson was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1984, and made his Major League Baseball debut in 1987.
He also pitched at the big-league level for the Montreal Expos and Kansas City Royals and in the farm system of the Florida Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers.
Time in Japan
Anderson also spent two seasons playing overseas with Japan’s Chunichi Dragons.
His coaching career began as pitching coach for the Australian national team, and he later cofounded the Field of Champions indoor training facility in Preston, and worked with big leaguers going through injury rehabilitation as an instructor at Winning Inning in Clearwater Beach, Fla.
Award-winner
Anderson also is no stranger to the West Coast League, having spent nine seasons on the coaching staff of the Bend Elks.
He managed the Elks in 2009, leading the team to a division title and earning the WCL’s Manager of the Year award.
“Scott Anderson has been a name around the WCL that is associated with great development as well as creating a competitive and winning culture,” said Lefties manager Zach Miller.
“He has been a part of some outstanding teams. To have him on board is huge in regards to what we are trying to accomplish in Port Angeles in terms of the product we are going to put on the field and also out in the community.”
Anderson also has scouted for the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Indians.
“Scott is outstanding with players and understands pitching and the development side of the game. I think his playing and coaching experience both allow him to be a great instructor and communicator with the kids. I haven’t met a player that pitched for Scott that didn’t have great things to say about him or their experience,” said Trevor Brown, the Northwest scout for the Minnesota Twins and a former WCL head coach.
Anderson focused on eliminating inefficiency in arm delivery and arm action for pitchers. To date he’s worked with 51 players that have gone on to play professional baseball, including minor leaguers Grant Desme of the Oakland Athletics, Jeff Brigham of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Trevor Hildenberger of the Twins.
“Scott has a wealth of experience and knowledge. Besides that, he makes baseball fun. Players will gain a lot from spending a summer with Scott,” said Jim Clem, pitching coach for the Bellingham Bells and a Peninsula College Athletic Hall of Fame member.
Announcer tryouts
The first scheduled public address announcer tryouts for the Lefties will start tonight at 5 p.m. at the Station 51 Taphouse, 125 W. Front St., in Port Angeles.
Contestants will be given the task of performing public address duties in front of patrons to the live broadcast of today’s game is the American League Wild Card between Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore.
This includes narrating the game, entertaining the crowd and managing music.
•Today Station 51 Taphouse, 5 p.m.
• Oct. 5: Bar N9NE, 229 W. First St., Port Angeles
• Oct. 6: To be announced
• Oct. 18: Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., Sequim
• Oct. 19 and 25th: To be announced
• Oct. 26: Station 51 Taphouse.
