Anderi Looks to Break Out in Year 2

Freshman Badger Chris Anderi is using the momentum generated in his first season with the team in his hopes to make the starting lineup in 2011. Anderi had a successful season, batting .324 and scoring twelve runs for the team on twelve hits. Chris became a utility player for the team, and a player who could deliver in key situations. “I focused on being a player who could get called on to get any job done,” Chris said, “Whether is was laying down a bunt, pinch running, starting a rally or even knocking in a run, I took pride in being one of the guys who Coach could depend on to do a job.”

In 2010, Chris was one of a number of Badgers who came to Brock right out of high school. When asked about this, Chris said “The toughest part of the season was definitely the transition from high school to university, and the responsibilities that go with it.” With Community Park being a bus ride’s length away from campus, the freshmen also had to figure out the logistical problems of transportation. Chris said, “Transportation was tough for me and the other freshmen, but thankfully some of the vets were kind enough to drive us back to residence after practice. With these things being said, I loved my first year at Brock. The guys on the team are great and I’ve grown really close with a number of them.”

This offseason, Chris is working on staying in shape and improving his game in an attempt to crack the Badgers starting lineup. Chris said “My personal goal for next season is to become an everyday player and continue to help the team in anyway possible. I’ll be hitting the weight room hard, taking a lot of swings and throwing 3 times a week. My two goals for the spring are to increase my arm strength and develop extra base power.” To do this, Chris has been working out with veteran Badger Justin Tamane, and Chris said “Lifting with Tamane is a bonus because we have similar workout goals, and with Justin being a fourth year Phys. Ed. major, he can really help me get there.”

Anderi's goals for next season are summed up in one sentence, with Chris describing his goals as “Repeat as OUA champions and add a national championship.” Although Chris already has one OUA championship, he isn’t satisfied, saying “Falling just short in the finals really hurt and it’s something I’m going to use as motivation. I feel we’re in the perfect situation to start an OUA dynasty with a lot of young guys.”

Chris became known by fans around Community Park because of not only his play on the field, but his diminutive size. When asked about this, Chris said “Being the smallest guy on the field is nothing new for me, so it’s something that I try to use to benefit me. Opposing pitchers aren’t accustomed to throwing into such a small strike zone, so I usually see a lot of pitches which helps me pick up arm angles, pitch movement etc.” This is especially important for the Badgers when Chris bats in the leadoff spot, helping the team read pitchers better and get to the opposition’s bullpen quickly. Chris says that the only negative to his size is that his fellow Badgers have fun at his expense, saying “The guys like to joke around with this as well, because after infield when we all lineup down the baseline, they all put their hands over their heads so I have to jump to give high fives.”

We’d like to thank Chris for talking with us, and wish him continued success with the Badgers.

By: Shawn Eckford