Anderson catches a victory on offense

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Dennis Anderson The UA junior catcher has been a consistent offensive threat at the start of the season for the baseball team.

"I didn't think I would hit one (a home run) on my first at-bat," Anderson said. "I had a pretty good feeling it was going to go, but we have such a big field that you can't ever trust it."

One thing that could be trusted on in UA's baseball series sweep against the Gaels and of Hawaii-Hilo on the road this past weekend was the consistency of Anderson at the plate. He may be a good catching partner for the Wildcat pitching staff, but this series made him an exciting spectacle on offense for the fans to cheer about.

"You always expect to do good," Anderson said. "Sometimes it just happens and you can't really control that."

He was referring to his control of his hitting stats, as he collected hits in 14 of his first 25 at-bats, with four doubles, one home run and 11 RBI. Anderson attributed his catching experience as a factor in his batting success.

"I have a good feeling about what pitches are coming at different times," he said. "I have a good idea on what the pitcher is going to throw because I understand pitchers."

Perhaps another contributing factor to his success was just wearing the Wildcat uniform.

"It's just real special (to play at the UA) because I told my dad as a little kid that someday I was going to play here," Anderson said. "He just said he was proud that I am a Wildcat."

It has taken Anderson some time to reach Arizona. He turned down a draft selection by the New York Mets in 1996 out of high school, and again in 1997 to the San Francisco Giants after his first year at Pima Community College.

Instead of heading to the Majors after graduating from Tucson's Canyon del Oro High School, where he was named Southern Arizona Player of the Year and earned all-state and all-region honors, Anderson went to Pima for two years and played catcher and left field for a familiar face on the bench.

"My dad is the coach over there," Anderson said. "And junior college is a great experience because you get to play at least 100 college games."

Anderson's jump to the next level of play has been welcomed by other Wildcat players.

"As far as Dennis being here," sophomore shortstop Keoni DeRenne said, "his role is to be our catcher and he does a great job behind the plate. Every little bit helps, though. He works so hard and wants to win."

Head coach Jerry Stitt will also be looking to Anderson for that hard work on both roles at the plate.

"I expect him to hit and drive in runs," Stitt said.

If Anderson can continue his winning ways, it looks like this time he just may be ready to advance to that next level of pro ball.

"If I get drafted this year I am going to sign unless something out of the ordinary happens," he said. "I am ready. I have been drafted twice; I wasn't sure if I was ready, it is kind of a big decision, you know. I wasn't mentally prepared to go out and play when I was 18."

Anderson has a full season ahead of him to prepare for the major leagues, beginning tomorrow as the Wildcats face New Mexico at Sancet Field at 3 p.m.