Billy Anderson's job is an important one for the CMU baseball team - both on and off the field.

As the team's leadoff hitter, it is Anderson's responsibility to spark the Chippewas' offense, to get on base and somehow make his way across home plate.

But as a fifth-year senior, it is the clubhouse where Anderson really relishes his role as a team leader. 

"I feel like my job as an older guy is to keep the guys loose," said the 23-year old Anderson. "Let them know if they make a mistake, - it's ok, we gotta be ready for the next play. In baseball, things don't always go your way."

Anderson knows a thing or two about the game. A four-year starter, Anderson has played in 171 games in his CMU career (as of March 29), starting 155. So it was only to be expected that he would have added responsibilities in his final year.

"(Anderson's) a leadoff guy so you hope he will be a leader in a lot of ways," said CMU Baseball Coach Steve Jaksa. "And I think the biggest thing Billy's trying to do is lead by example."

Anderson has done just that. Currently Anderson is batting .361 with a .454 on-base percentage, ranking second on the team in both categories. He also leads the Chippewas with 30 hits, 16 runs scored, 12 walks and 10 stolen bases - all key statistics for a leadoff hitter.

"Billy's been a catalyst for us," Jaska said. "He gets things going a little bit because he can hit, he's a good hitter."

The Chippewas sport an 11-9 record as they begin the bulk of their Mid-American Conference schedule this weekend with a home stand against Ohio University. Anderson said he is looking forward to his final go round of MAC competition.

"I feel like I gotta make this one count," said Anderson, from Sault Ste. Marie. "It's possibly my last shot to ever play baseball again so I want to make the most of it."

A sports studies major, Anderson has been one of Central's best hitters since he first took the field in 2007. Since his arrival, Anderson's specialty has been getting on base. He has been among the top two in on-base percentage for the Chippewas in each of his four years. Anderson has an eye-popping .452 career on-base percentage.

Over his career, the 5-foot-8 centerfielder has finished each season near the top of the CMU statistical leader board in batting average, runs, hits, walks and stolen bases as well.

Anderson credits hard work and the right mind set as the formula for his success.

"Baseball's a game where you fail a lot," Anderson said. "And I feel like you just have to stay positive and good things will happen."

One of the fruits of Anderson's labors was being named the MAC West Player of the Week for the week ending on March 14.

But even with the statistical and team success, Anderson still feels he can make just as much of an impact away from the field.

"I try to stay positive and keep guys focused on the game," Anderson said. "I want to teach (the young players) the way we do things around here and just be a positive leader."

Photo by Robert Barclay

By John Schneider

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