Okay, I can’t prove that Brady Anderson was born with his trademark ‘burns, but it seems scientifically sound. Anderson was born this week (Jan. 18th) in 1964 just down the road in Silver Spring, even though he played his college ball at UC Irvine and began his career hitting leadoff for the Red Sox before being traded to Baltimore as a rookie in 1988. By Opening Day 1989 (the Why Not? season) Anderson was starting in the outfield alongside brother-in-law Steve Finley.
Anderson will be remembered for many things in Baltimore. He was the subject of countless rumors, best bud of Cal Ripken, Jr., and oh yeah, hit 50 home runs in 1996.
Anderson, who currently works as an instructor for the Orioles, was always a great defensive player and leadoff hitter. His power surge in ’96 has never been proved to be anything but a statistical anomoly brought on by a player in his prime hitting in a great lineup. Unfortunately, the shadow that hangs over that era of the game will forever call into question the best power season an Oriole has ever had.
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