Former Logan standout, Dean Anna, traded to Yankees in minor league deal

BY JOHN D. HOMAN

Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – Middle infielder Dean Anna, a former John A. Logan College standout, was traded Wednesday from the San Diego Padres’ Tucson, Ariz. Triple A affiliate to the New York Yankees.

Dean Anna

The Yankees immediately placed Anna on their 40-man Major League roster and will in all likelihood invite him to Spring Training in February.

Anna, 26, won the Pacific Coast League batting title at .331 and was named the league’s starting second baseman in the PCL All-Star game.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from Mokena was a member of the Vols in 2006 and 2007.

A shortstop at Logan, Anna was a key component of the offense. As a sophomore, he batted a robust .359 with six home runs and 46 RBIs. He also ripped 18 doubles in his 53 games played.

Anna was named Great Rivers Athletic All-Conference following his sophomore season. He set the school record that spring with a nine-RBI game. He also hit for the cycle.

Anna was also a contributor as a freshman with the Volunteers, finishing at .313 with 62 hits and 14 doubles.

Anna transferred from Logan to Ball State University, where he posted a .319 batting average and 11 home runs, seven triples and 17 doubles with 41 RBIs in 2008.

His on-base percentage was a gawdy .464. He was then drafted after his junior season in the 26th round by the Padres in June of that year and has spent the last six years working his way up the ladder in pro ball.

Anna said he was glad he got the chance to play at Logan.

“Coach (Jerry) Halstead and Coach (then-assistant Tim) Williams taught me a lot about the game,” he said. “I consider them my mentors. I learned about coming to the field and working hard every day and giving my all, not taking a play off. It was all about learning how to discipline myself and that helped prepare me for the next level.”

Halstead said he was thrilled with news of the trade.

“The Yankees are one of the upper echelon Major League franchises. I’m happy for Dean and hopeful he will get an opportunity to play at the Major League level, something the Padres didn’t give him.”

Halstead added, “With his day-to-day approach, it is no surprise Dean has had such success in professional baseball. He is one of the top shortstops to play at Logan and I wish him continued success in his journey to the Big Leagues.”