A lot can change in a year, including the arrival of a Republican in the White House, the possibility of an NBA franchise moving to Memphis and now, a winning baseball team at The University of Memphis.
And while the first two occurrences may still be a mystery to some, it’s safe to say that U of M baseball coach Dave Anderson had something to do with the Tigers’ achievements this year.
“The players will tell you that he was the reason they had such success,” said U of M assistant athletic director Bob Kilpatrick.
About this time last year, Anderson was hired as head coach of a then struggling baseball program. He replaced Jeff Hopkins, who amassed a record of 239-207-1 in eight years as head coach.
Anderson had no experience as a college coach, but was hired partly because of his history with The U of M. He played football and baseball at The University before beginning his career at the professional level.
“I had coached (Anderson) when he was here,” said Kilpatrick. “I knew what kind of person he was. He’s sharp. I knew he’d do a great job with the athletes. I knew he would adjust well coming from the major and minor leagues.”
The 2001 Tiger baseball team finished the season with a record of 33-22. The club reached the semi-finals of the C-USA tournament, only to be knocked off by Tulane to end its season. Not bad, considering the team had a record of 15-37 the year before.
“We were one out away from playing in the championship,” said Anderson, recalling the Tulane game. “I think we surprised a lot of people.”
Memphis’ 33 wins marked the most recorded since 1994 and its 18-game improvement from last year’s win total was enough for the Tigers to be named the Most Improved baseball team in Division I this season.
Three members of the 2001 squad moved on to the next level as they signed with professional teams.
Junior Daniel Uggla was picked earlier this month in the 11th round of Major League Baseball’s draft. The second baseman signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was assigned to the Class A short-season team in Yakima, Wash.
Pitcher Jason Wiedmeyer was a sixth-round selection of Chicago Cubs.
Wiedmeyer, however, signed with the San Diego Padres and will be playing with the Eugene Emeralds in the Class A Norwestern League.
The Philadelphia Phillies picked up pitcher Layne Dawson in the 26th round. Dawson will be joining their minor league team in Clearwater, Fla.
