New York State Salutes Rexford’s World Champion

The awards, recognitions and hardware keep piling up for the 23 year old right-hander, Ian Anderson. The Shenendehowa High School graduate met with the media last Thursday. The tall, bearded World Champion greeted every person in the room with a humble handshake and a smile. One of the people in attendance was NYS Senator Jim Tedisco. Tedisco a former student-athlete himself, had a proclamation from New York State for the Atlanta Braves pitcher.

The state senator from the 49th District, which includes Mr. Anderson's hometown of Rexford, presented Ian with an official New York State Senate proclamation recognizing the accomplishments of the World Series. Sure, it may just seem like a small honor in the midst of all of the excitement surrounding the young pitcher and his team's championship but very honestly, it is pretty cool. The World Series is a big deal and Ian Anderson was a big part of it for the Atlanta Braves. Good for New York celebrating one of their own.

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I caught up with Ian just after the proclamation was made. We had met once after he was drafted but this was the first time that we talked for a few minutes. He is a humble young man that exudes the kindness that you can see comes from his parents. I got the opportunity to speak with Ian's mom at the press conference. Karen Anderson is as nice and grounded as the day is long.

Bob Anderson, Ian's dad, joined The Drive with Charlie & Dan on Tuesday. Bob taught and coached baseball at Schalmont High School for 30 years. He is a proud father that passed on his love of baseball to their boys. The Anderson's other son Ben, whom I saw pitch a number of times for Binghamton University, is pitching in the Texas Rangers organization. Both Ian and Ben are polite and respectful young men. If you meet his parents, you will know why. New York State did a good thing recognizing Ian Anderson.