Illinois State the right fit for Devils' Anderson

Updated: April 14, 2011 2:16PM

There were quite a few top-notch college baseball programs looking at Hinsdale Central shortstop Matt Anderson the past year. Anderson considered Georgia Tech, Missouri, Michigan and Purdue.

But his final choice, Missouri Valley member Illinois State, would be considered a surprise compared to schools from the Big Ten, ACC or Big 12.

"Illinois State has a great coaching staff," Anderson said. "(Head coach) Mark Kingston is in his second year. He's from Tulane. He has great experience. He played at North Carolina."

Kingston led the Redbirds to a share of their first MVC title in his rookie season. He played in the College World Series in 1989 and was an assistant coach for Miami's 2001 national championship team. Anderson signed with Illinois State in November.

The chance to play early in the college career appealed to Anderson, a three-year Hinsdale Central starter and the team's No. 3 hitter in the lineup. Anderson would become the third West Suburban Silver product to join the Redbirds next season, including Downers North pitcher Joe Claver and Downers North infielder Kevin Tokarski.

The Devils (4-7, 2-0 conference) won back-to-back games for the first time this season by sweeping York, 5-2 and 6-1, in a doubleheader Saturday in Elmhurst. Chris Bobo won the first game and Adam Dressler was the winning pitcher in the nightcap. Hinsdale Central entered the doubleheader with four losses in its last five games.

"Our sweep was because the pitching was very good and everyone hit," Anderson said.

The highlight of the season remains the Devils' 4-2 victory over Downers South April 2 when Anderson and catcher Pat Foley each homered off Nick Burdi, a Louisville-bound senior who went 10-0 with a 1.03 ERA last season.

The Devils play at Willowbrook at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, before hosting Downers North in a doubleheader at 10 a.m. Saturday.

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