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failure and how you can deal with it. A lot of people have the physical tools, but" can they make the mental and social adjustments? That is what he has more than anyone else I have ever been around and what will allow him to play in the Big Leagues." Leading all of on baseball with a .495 batting average in 2013, Anderson ranked 12th in on with 18 doubles and hit 11 triples - third most in on. The first team All-American record– ed 10 home runs on the year, compiling an .879 slugging per– centage - second highest in the on ranks. Anderson drove in 45 RBis during the season and ranked fourth in on with 41 stolen bases. Closing out his career as a Warrior, Anderson spurred East Central on to a 32-21 record and the Mississippi Association of Community & Junior Colleges championship. In 2012, Anderson enjoyed immediate success as a fresh– man at East Central. The infield– er led the Warriors with a .360 batting average, 37 RBis and was a perfect 30-for-30 stealing bases. Anderson's effort in his first season earned him All– Region 23 honors.

"When we signed him, I knew he would be a very good player," Holliman said. "I thought he would be drafted when we signed him, although I had no idea he would go in the first round. ~e was a very exceptional athlete and hit coming out of high school. Physically he has gotten a lot better with reps but he's always been an athlete that has been able to hit." Anderson is quick to credit Holliman and the East Central staff for playing a major role in where he is today. " J had a bunch of one-on-one time with Coach Holliman," Anderson said. ''We worked every day hitting in the cages, fielding ground balls and talking about the things I need to work on. He helped me identify my weaknesses and has helped me improve a lot." At Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Anderson played a role in the Patriots winning the Alabama 6A State Basketball Championship in 2011. Despite his tremendous talents, Anderson didn't begin playing high school baseball until his junior year. "It was a good decision because I had knee injuries in

high school as a basketball play– er," Anderson said. "I felt that baseball was my best sport and once I got to East Central, it was the only sport that I had to focus on." With his exceptional abilities and a load of potential, Anderson has become one of the most talked about players to come out of the 2013 MLB Draft. Despite all the acclaim, Anderson has identified what areas of his game need improve– ment and is focusing on them. "Right now, I'm working on my defense," Anderson said. ''A lot ofpeople say that I can't stay at shortstop so I want to prove them wrong and show that I can play there." (News article courtesy www.njcaa.org)

Anderson Continued from page 1B the 17th pick so that's when I knew." It didn't take the White Sox long to lock up their first round pick, signing Anderson to a minor league contract less than a week later - which included a $2.164 million signing bonus. The shortstop had originally signed a letter of intent with NCAAOivision I program UAB before being drafted. Anderson has already begun his professional baseball career, having played 19 games with the Kannapolis Intimidators in the South Atlantic League. The rookie is batting for a .320 aver– age with six RBis and seven stolen bases with the White Sox low-A affiliate. "He's got the physical tools that it takes but more than any– one else that I've ever coached or played with, he has the men– tal makeup," Holliman said. "I think that is what separates a lot of people. Baseball is a game of

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