Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Scholarship
On May 20, 2021, the baseball community unexpectedly lost Michael "Coach Mike" Anderson when he passed away at the age of 62. He was a longtime member of Shoreview Area Youth Baseball and a truly remarkable advocate for youth and high school baseball across Minnesota. He volunteered countless hours on and off the field to provide opportunities for youth through the Shoreview Area Youth Baseball and Fridley Legion programs for over two decades. Michael holds a special place within the MYAS/Gopher State Baseball family, thanks in part to the countless volunteer hours he dedicated to the broader Minnesota youth baseball community over 14+ years.
Coach Mike was always looking out for what was best for Shoreview Area Youth Baseball, but also wanted what was best for all Minnesota community-based youth baseball programming. He will be remembered for his selflessness and passion for youth baseball throughout his years as an administrator, mentor, beloved coach, and friend of the youth baseball community, and he will be greatly missed by anyone who was touched by his generosity.
Anderson was a founding member of the Gopher State Baseball Board of Advisors, which provides guidance on rules, policies (such as the establishment of the Team Classification Policy), regulations, programming, and specialty events, such as the Gopher State Baseball All-Star Series.
In June of 2021, the Anderson family, in cooperation with the MYAS Community Impact Fund, set up a Memorial Baseball Scholarship in his name. All funds raised through the Michael Anderson Youth Baseball Scholarship will go to support youth baseball through community grants, scholarships, and events throughout the year. This grant has been earmarked to provide opportunities for Minnesota youth players, teams, and associations to participate in the game of baseball.
2023 Association Recipients
On behalf of the Michael Anderson family, the MYAS & Gopher State Baseball, we are pleased to notify seven Minnesota youth baseball association's that their application has been accepted and approved. Of the total scholarship funds available, the amount of the award allocated for each Association was determined to be $1,000 - funded by the Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Scholarship, which is facilitated by the MYAS Community Impact Fund.
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. Michael will always be remembered for his selfless and continuous efforts to advance youth baseball in the communities that he served and for his passion for youth baseball throughout his years as an administrator, mentor, beloved coach, and friend of the youth baseball community.
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.
Notice sent to recipients by Liz Anderson & Family
Congratulations on receiving the Michael Anderson Memorial Scholarship. Being awarded the scholarship represents a commitment to not only the sport of baseball, but to the young athletes who look to your association for guidance, education and support as they make the journey into young adulthood through sports.
Mike was passionate about the impact organized sports could have on our youth and made a commitment to remain involved in many different programs long after our children matured out of the program. 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. 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.
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 athletes 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"
Again, Congratulations and THANK YOU for all that you do to support the youth in your community!
Respectfully,
The Anderson Family
Liz, Jessie, Dan, Mikey and Bekah
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Association Scholarship:
2023 Association Recipients
2023 Association Recipients
Past Individual & Association Recipients
In August of 2021, the MYAS Community Impact Fund (formerly known as MYAS Foundation) awarded the Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Scholarship to 18 youth baseball players, to participate in the Gopher State Fall Baseball League.
During the spring of 2022, six youth baseball associations from around the state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin were awarded the inaugural Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball “Association” Scholarship. This scholarship is intended to cover players' fees and/or for purchasing of baseball equipment (gloves, cleats, bats, uniforms, catcher's gear, etc.).
In August of 2022, the MYAS Community Impact Fund awarded the Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Scholarship to 19 youth baseball players, to participate in the Gopher State Fall Baseball League.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 Michael Anderson Memorial Baseball Association Scholarship:
2022 Recipients
| Association | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shoreview Area Youth Baseball Association | $2,000 |
| Oakdale Athletic Association Traveling Baseball | $1,000 |
| Elk River Youth Baseball Association | $1,000 |
| River Falls Youth Baseball Association | $1,000 |
| North Branch Area Traveling Baseball | $1,000 |
| Duluth 709 Baseball Association | $1,000 |
