Alexandria-MN – The Alexandria Blue Anchors, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the hiring of Joe Anthonsen for the 2014 season.
Anthonsen, originally from Cottage Grove, MN is currently in his first year of coaching at St. Thomas University in St.Paul, MN. Prior to his time at St. Thomas Joe was living a childhood dream of playing professional baseball. He had a 7 year playing career for the Rockford Riverhawks, Sioux Falls Canaries, and the Amarillo Sox. He played his college baseball at Iowa Central Community College and Campbell University.
“I’m excited to experience the Northwoods League first hand. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the league and the town of Alexandria,” says coach Anthonsen. “Being able to help college athletes reach their dreams of playing professional baseball is something I am really looking forward to.”
Joe has been named to both the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Rockford Riverhawks all-time teams as a second baseman.
“We are really excited to bring Joe on board for the 2014 season,” says Kendall Hughson, General Manager. “His playing career along with his coaching experience will give our players another coach that knows what it takes to make it to the next level.”
The Blue Anchors will start the 2014 season on Tuesday May 27th at home versus the Mankato MoonDogs.
The Alexandria Blue Anchors are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.blueanchors.com.