LAKE CHARLES – For the first time ever, McNeese will have a former player in the MLB World Series. In fact, the Cowboys will have two players on World Series rosters.
Jace Peterson is on the 40-man roster for the Arizona Diamondbacks, while Grant Anderson made the roster for the Texas Rangers, which means former Cowboy is guaranteed to win a World Series championship. That will mark the McNeese player to have won a World Series ring.
“We have two Cowboys on teams who are playing in the World Series! How awesome is that?,” said McNeese coach Justin Hill who coached Anderson from 2016-18. “They have both done it the hard way – going through all levels of the minor leagues and fighting through injuries and other challenges to help contribute to wins with the big league club.
Hill added, “One interesting similarity they share is that both organizations traded for them at different points in their career. They saw something special in them as players and they have both added great value to the organization and their current team.”
Peterson, was a two-time All-Southland Conference selection during his playing days at McNeese from 2009-11, was acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Oakland A’s at the end of July. He went going from one of the league’s worst teams to now four wins away from winning a World Series. The 10-year MLB veteran has appeared in 134 games this season, 93 with the A’s and 41 with the Diamondbacks.
The Lake Charles native has played with seven different MLB teams during his career. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the San Diego Padres.
Anderson meanwhile was a 21st round pick in the 2018 draft by the Seattle Mariners and was traded to the Texas Rangers’ organization in 2019. The Port Arthur, Texas native made his MLB debut on May 30 of this season and recorded the win over Detroit after throwing 2 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out seven of the eight batters faced.
For the year, Anderson has appeared in 26 games and has recorded a 2-1 mark and thrown 35.2 innings.
“Being a part of a great team is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have,” said Hill. “This is a special moment in their lives and career, and I am so happy for them and their families.”
The 2023 MLB World Series begins on Friday night in Arlington.