Veteran Leadoff Man Anthonsen Returns
Published on March 23, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS - For nearly every game since 2009, Sioux Falls Pheasants manager Steve Shirley has inked the name Joe Anthonsen atop his lineup cared, and he will have that option again in 2012. On Friday, Shirley announced the signing of the veteran second baseman along with right-handed rookie pitcher Rod Scurry.
Anthonsen, 29, played in every game in 2011, hitting .243 with 21 RBI and a .372 on-base percentage. He tied for a team-high 76 walks, fourth best in the league. Anthonsen ranks fourth all-time in team history with 335 hits and holds a career .295 batting average in Sioux Falls. He is the career leader for walks with 180.
Even though he played the bulk of last season at shortstop, Anthonsen still has the most games played at second base in team history. He is also career leader in nearly every defensive category and holds several single-season records.
Prior to his Sioux Falls tenure, Anthonsen played three seasons with the Rockford RiverHawks of the independent Frontier League. He was the league batting champion in 2008 (.352).
Scurry, 26, last pitched in 2010 with the Grand Prairie Airhogs and the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League. With Grand Prairie, the submariner went 1-2 with a 5.33 ERA as a reliever in 22 games. He struck out 21 batters in 27 innings pitched. He appeared in an additional five games with Windy City.
Scurry was drafted in 2005 by the Colorado Rockies and in 2007 by the Seattle Mariners, but he did not sign. In 2008, Scurry joined the Rockies as a 31st round draft pick out of the University of Nevada. He pitched two seasons with the Rockies' short-season Tri-City affiliate, going a combined 5-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 38 games.
A native of Reno, Nev., Scurry is the son of a former major league pitcher, the late Rod Scurry (Sr.).
The Sioux Falls Pheasants begin their 20th season at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, when they host the Sioux City Explorers. Information about season tickets and group outings is available by calling (605) 336-6060 or visiting www.sfpheasants.com.
American Association Stories from March 23, 2012
- White Sox Great Minnie Minoso to Appear at Fan Fest - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Veteran Leadoff Man Anthonsen Returns - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Kobayashi Returns to U.S. Steel Yard May 27 - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Backman Returns at Hot Corner - Sioux City Explorers
- Saints Get Outfield Help with Cabrera Signing - St. Paul Saints
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