On Friday, March 10th, the MYAS Community Impact Fund was pleased to notify the 2023 recipients of the Michael Anderson Association Scholarship. The primary goal of the scholarship is to provide funds for player needs (registration fees and equipment) and applications were received from both the outstate and metro areas.  The following organizations were awarded $1,000 each, all with the goal of making sure any players who want to play baseball in their communities are able to do so.

Shoreview Area Youth Baseball
Pequot Lakes Diamond Club
Zimmerman Youth Baseball Association
Brooklyn Park Athletic Association – Traveling Baseball
Coon Rapids Baseball Association
Armstrong-Cooper Youth Baseball Association
Andover Baseball Association

“The MYAS Community Impact Fund, in cooperation with the Anderson family, is proud to provide this financial benefit to these associations via funds raised through the baseball scholarship program.” said MYAS executive director Dawson Blanck. “Michael will always be remembered for his selfless and continuous efforts to advance youth baseball and for his passion throughout his years as an administrator, mentor, beloved coach, and friend of the youth baseball community.”

Brian Oxborough of Brooklyn Park Athletic Association was thrilled with the announcement, telling MYAS, “This is awesome news, and thank you very much for choosing our association. This scholarship money will go to good use this season.  Getting as many players out on the field regardless of financial situation has always been a passion for our association.”

Youth sports can have an impact on players that lasts well beyond the playing field. Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” When hearing Liz Anderson talk about her late husband, it sounds like he lived by that mantra as a coach.

“Having the opportunity to teach our youth, not only about the game of baseball, but building self-confidence, learning to win and lose as a team, and the importance of respecting everyone on and off the field was what Mike enjoyed the most,” said Lis. “He was so proud of how each year his group of "players" at the beginning of the year became an incredible "TEAM" by the end of the year.”

Brooks Doherty, of Armstrong-Cooper Youth Baseball, agrees, saying, “.  Turning players into teams is such an essential message in youth sports and the communities in which we live. We will do everything we can to be like Mike.”

The MYAS is honored to provide these Association with this scholarship, while memorializing Michael’s legacy. As we know, he is smiling with pride, knowing that he can continue to make a positive impact on youth baseball players and the Minnesota youth baseball community.

Liz adds this as a final message to those involved in their community’s youth sports programs, “Mike was passionate about the impact organized sports could have on our youth. Coaches, administrators and community members have such an opportunity to teach our youth so much…never minimize the impact you can have on a young athlete’s life, you Do make a difference! 

I encourage you to continue your commitment to the youth in your community by honoring Mike's legacy and embracing a bit of Mike's philosophy this season.”

Let's all "Be a little more like Mike"