Paul Molitor (4) of the Minnesota Twins talks with University of Minnesota Golden Gophers manager John Anderson (14) at the CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Florida. - Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
A legend will be retiring from college baseball after the upcoming collegiate season. Haven’t heard about it? Well, it was probably just a blip in the back sports pages of your local newspaper. Or more likely it wasn’t covered at all. Heck our local paper only announced the news on page two of our sports section. Seems kind of insufficient for someone who for 49 years went to work every day doing the thing he loves.
A Quiet Legend
This legend is a quiet, unassuming person. He toiled at his position for many years improving the lives of those around him on and off the field. Who is this legend you ask? It is the legendary baseball coach of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, John Anderson.
What begets a legend? Is it his overall record of 1,365-997-3 which is the all-time mark for all Big Ten baseball coaches? Or maybe it’s his 614-414 record against conference opponents? And maybe it’s because Minnesota baseball teams under Anderson have won 11 Big Ten titles and have appeared in 18 NCAA tournaments.
Coached Hall of Famers
Or maybe he is a legend because under his tutelage, 115 of his ballplayers have been drafted by Major League Baseball teams. You might recognize some of their names. The list includes Hall of Famers Dave Winfield and Paul Molitor. Also on the list are long time major leaguers Terry Steinbach, Greg Olson, and Glen Perkins.
And certainly, a legend has had at least one of their players drafted by Major League Baseball for the past 36 years. This constitutes the longest such streak in the Big Ten Conference. The runners up? Ohio State at 12 years and Michigan at 10.
What Constitutes a Legend?
But a legend is borne of character and integrity. By these measures, John Anderson is most certainly a legend. As University of Minnesota Director of Athletics Mark Coyle said, “John is Minnesota baseball. He is one of the finest coaches and individuals in all of college athletics, and our university and state are better off because of his contributions. We look forward to celebrating his final season as the leader of the Gophers.”
John Anderson’s Legacy
Andersons’ take on his retirement. “It’s been the professional honor of my lifetime to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated coaches in college baseball, support staff members, gifted colleagues, amazing student-athletes, and an impressive group of alumni and donors who provided unwavering support throughout my tenure.”
Regarding Anderson, one thing that is a certainty. This Hall of Fame coach and legend will always be remembered when people discuss the foundations and growth of Minnesota and Big Ten baseball.
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