Births on January 22

Jimmy Anderson, American baseball player and coach

James Drew Anderson, born on January 22, 1976, is an American former professional baseball pitcher whose career spanned five seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his durable arm during his peak, Anderson primarily played for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the formative years of his big-league career.

Anderson officially made his MLB debut in 1999 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, appearing in 13 games during his inaugural season. These initial appearances likely offered him valuable exposure to the major league environment, preparing him for a more substantial role.

The 2000 season marked Anderson's emergence as a regular starter for the Pirates. He pitched in 27 games, starting 26 of them, and accumulated 144 innings pitched. During this period, he compiled a record of 5 wins and 11 losses, a win-loss record often reflecting team performance as much as individual pitching prowess, especially for a young pitcher on a developing roster.

Anderson reached several significant career highs in 2001, demonstrating his potential as a frontline starter. He recorded 9 wins, started 34 games, logged an impressive 206.1 innings pitched, and struck out 89 batters. While his final record stood at 9-17 with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 5.10, his ability to consistently take the mound and absorb innings was a testament to his durability, a highly valued trait for any major league pitcher.

The 2002 season saw a notable regression in Anderson’s performance, particularly concerning his command on the mound. While pitching 140.2 innings for the Pirates, he issued 63 walks against only 47 strikeouts. This significant disparity between walks and strikeouts indicated a concerning loss of control, directly impacting his effectiveness and ability to limit opposing hitters from reaching base. Following this challenging season, the Pittsburgh Pirates chose to part ways with Anderson.

Anderson subsequently signed with the Cincinnati Reds, seeking to revitalize his career. However, his tenure with the Reds was brief and largely unsuccessful, as he posted a 1-5 record in just 8 games. He was soon designated for assignment, a procedural move that removes a player from the 40-man roster and allows the team to trade, waive, or release them. Instead of accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A, a common route for players designated for assignment, Anderson, utilizing his rights as a player with significant MLB service time, refused the assignment and became a free agent, opting to control his next career move.

In an effort to return to the major leagues, Anderson later secured a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants. He made 8 starts within their minor league system, accumulating a 1-4 record with a 6.44 ERA, indicating that his struggles with consistency persisted.

By 2004, Anderson signed another minor league deal, this time with the Chicago Cubs. His performance at the Triple-A level earned him a call-up to the Cubs' major league roster. With the Cubs, Anderson transitioned into a relief pitching role, appearing in 7 games and remarkably recording his first career save. This marked a shift in his role from a starter to a bullpen arm, a common adaptation for pitchers facing command issues or looking to extend their careers.

His journey continued mid-season when, on July 2, 2004, Anderson was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a minor league pitcher. Though he did not make the active roster for the historic 2004 World Series, where the Red Sox famously broke their 86-year championship drought known as the "Curse of the Bambino," Anderson was recognized for his contributions to the team during the regular season. As a testament to his part in their success, he was awarded a championship ring, a symbol of his association with one of baseball's most memorable triumphs.

The 2005 season saw Anderson navigating multiple minor league systems, an increasingly common path for veteran pitchers striving to return to MLB. He pitched across four different organizations: the Minnesota Twins, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs (again), and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In a busy year, he compiled an 8-10 record over 27 games (25 starts) between these clubs. Despite maintaining a respectable 3.44 ERA, a deeper look at his statistics reveals continued challenges with control and allowing baserunners. His Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP) stood at 1.50, a relatively high figure largely attributable to issuing 66 walks and surrendering 150 hits over 144 innings. A high WHIP indicates a pitcher allows a significant number of batters to reach base, which can often lead to higher ERAs if not for timely outs or strong defensive support.

Anderson's professional playing career concluded in 2006 with the Florida Marlins organization. He made 22 appearances, but after posting an ERA of 5.77, he was released. Following this release, James Drew Anderson officially retired from professional baseball, concluding his journey through various levels of the sport.

Since his retirement from professional baseball, James Drew Anderson has remained deeply involved in the sport, transitioning his focus to player development and coaching. As of 2013, he has been actively working with Bobby McKinney at the esteemed Western Branch Batting and Pitching Clinic. This role allows him to impart his extensive knowledge and experience to aspiring young athletes, focusing on fundamental pitching and batting techniques. Additionally, Anderson dedicates his time to coaching the Mid-Atlantic Pirates Scout team, playing a crucial role in nurturing emerging talent and guiding young players through the competitive landscape of amateur baseball, often with an eye toward preparing them for collegiate or professional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Drew Anderson

When was James Drew Anderson born?

James Drew Anderson was born on January 22, 1976.

Which MLB teams did James Drew Anderson play for?

James Drew Anderson played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1999-2002), Cincinnati Reds (2003), Chicago Cubs (2004), and was briefly with the Boston Red Sox (2004).

What were James Drew Anderson's career highlights?

His career highlights include setting personal bests in 2001 with 9 wins, 34 games started, and 206.1 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also recorded his first career save with the Chicago Cubs in 2004 and was awarded a championship ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2004.

Did James Drew Anderson win a World Series ring?

Yes, James Drew Anderson received a championship ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2004, despite not being on the active World Series roster, for his contributions to the team during the regular season that year.

What is James Drew Anderson doing after his baseball career?

After retiring from playing, James Drew Anderson transitioned into coaching and player development. As of 2013, he works with Bobby McKinney at the Western Branch Batting and Pitching Clinic and coaches the Mid-Atlantic Pirates Scout team.