Anderson named WCBL's Most Outstanding Pitcher

Regina Red Sox left-hander Colton Anderson has been named the Western Canadian Baseball League's Most Outstanding Pitcher for 2024. Photo: WCBL

September 19, 2024

By Ian Wilson

Western Canadian Baseball League

Steady, reliable, dependable.

Those are a few words that capture what Colton Anderson meant to the Regina Red Sox when he took the mound in the Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) this year.

During a season that saw a number of lopsided scores crowd the box scores, the lefthander was a trustworthy pitcher for his coaches, teammates and the fans in Saskatchewan's capital city.

The 6-foot-3 senior pitched in 11 regular season games for the Red Sox, including seven starts, and allowed more than three earned runs in an appearance just once this summer.

In his 49 innings of work, the Oklahoma product went 6-2 with a 2.93 earned run average (ERA), 64 strikeouts and a save. Anderson finished tied for the league lead in wins while producing the fifth highest strikeout total.

Anderson's standout campaign has earned him the 2024 Most Outstanding Pitcher award, as selected by WCBL coaches across the league.

"It really is an incredible honour ... it's an honour to be named pitcher of the year in the WCBL," said Anderson, who acknowledged the aid from his family in helping him pursue his baseball goals.

"My family that I've been blessed with, they allow me to chase a childhood dream and support me more than I could ever ask for. I wouldn't be here without them and the Lord."

Anderson also thanked his teammates and coaches for helping him win games with the Red Sox.

"The strikeouts are nice and cool, but I had a great defence behind me and that's why I was successful," said the southpaw.

"All summer I was surrounded by a great group of guys and a great coaching staff. The league was solid and it didn't fall short on the amount of talent it had on any team. Everyone was competitive and was there playing for a reason."

Manager Rye Pothakos offered praise for his ace, who was also named a First Team All-Star by the WCBL.

"Colton was a great leader and gave us quality starts from the get go. He led by example and was a great clubhouse leader and personality. Congrats to Colton on this award," said Pothakos.

Anderson - who had a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.27, held opposing hitters to a .242 batting average and posted a K/9 rate of 11.755 - made one playoff start for Regina and racked up 10 strikeouts over seven innings during a 4-3 loss to the Moose Jaw Miller Express.

His journey to Western Canada marked Anderson's first trip outside of the United States, which he described as "an amazing experience" that introduced him to a number of new people and events, including a Canadian Football League (CFL) game featuring the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

"The whole summer I met so many people I never would have been able to if I would've stayed home," said Anderson.

"I was lucky enough to have an amazing host family ... it was a great experience with people I will remember and stay in touch with the rest of my life."

In winning the Most Outstanding Pitcher award, Anderson finished ahead of Kyle Froehlich (Sylvan Lake Gulls), Javier De Alejandro (Lethbridge Bulls) and Wyatt Wiatrek (Saskatoon Berries) in the voting.

The award was won by Tyler Boudreau in 2023 and Josh Tucker in 2022. Both pitchers played for the Sylvan Lake Gulls.