SECAUCUS, N.J. – The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Jacksonville University's Chris Anderson in the first round of the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Taken with the No. 18 overall pick, Anderson becomes the highest drafted player in school history.
"Today is a great day for Chris Anderson and his family," said newly appointed Jacksonville Head Coach Tim Montez. "Three years ago when we recruited him we talked about him being drafted within the first three rounds by the time he was a junior. He took a leap of faith by leaving Minnesota and making Jacksonville University his college of choice, he did all the little things that put him in the position he is in today. I know the entire university is so proud of Chris, especially all of the alumni that have worn the green and gold over the years."
The 6'4", 225-lbs right handed pitcher posted an A-Sun best 101 strikeouts this season - 21 more than any pitcher in the league and the 24th highest total in the nation. He compiled a 2.49 earned run average in 104.2 innings while limiting hitters to a .231 batting average.
The 2013 draft marks the second consecutive year Jacksonville has had a player taken in the first three round following a third round selection by Adam Brett Walker by the Twins last season.
Anderson is the first ever Dolphin's player taken in the first round. Previous the program has had four second round picks with Tom McMillian being taken 29th overall in 1973 and Mike Christ taken 34th overall in 1984.