Random Player #2 - Matt Anderson

Matt Anderson was the number one overall draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 1997. In 1998 he posted an ERA in the minors of under 0.70 and was quickly called up to try and help the struggling parent club. His 100+ MPH fast ball and eccentric personality made him a fan favorite but he quickly flamed out after the "octopus incident" (there was a contest at the ballpark to throw an octopus the farthest and win tickets to a Red Wings playoff game - Anderson tossed an octopus and suffered an injury from which he never seemed to recover).

After leaving the Tigers he had a stint with the Colorado Rockies which did not go well and he has not appeared in a Major League game since then. He did spend some time in the San Francisco minor leagues before joining the Bridgeport Bluefish in the Independent League.

Anderson once sported a curly hairdo that he refused to cut much like Magglio Ordonez does today. It was comical on him and earned him the nickname "Curly." He was one of Jeff Weaver's closest friends when they were in the Tigers organization together and I followed both of their careers very closely. Unfortunately I do not hold out much hope for Anderson to return to the Majors but as a Tigers fan I do thank him for some of the bright moments that he gave us.