Former Iron Mountain Mountaineer Ian Anderson fires a pitch home for Catawba Valley Community College, where he was used as a reliever and posted some impressive numbers. Anderson will be moving on to NCAA Division 1 Middle Tennessee State University, with two years of eligibility left. (Courtesy photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Ian Anderson, a 2021 graduate of Iron Mountain High School, has accepted an offer to play baseball at NCAA Division 1 Middle Tennessee State University.

“I thank Jesus for such a blessing of an opportunity to be able to play baseball at this level,” Anderson said. “I’ve always wanted to pursue baseball and coming to the understanding that there was a potential to make it to this level, I did everything I could to make it happen.”

Anderson, the son of Brodie Anderson and Linda Butterfield, had a stellar senior season as a middle infielder and pitcher for the Mountaineers in 2021, helping lead the team to a district title and earning first team all-conference.

“Ian was a true leader on our team and really wowed the local crowds at LIUNA Field,” Mountaineers coach Jeff McLean said. “He is extremely gifted and a real hard-working kid.”

Anderson realized his dream of playing at the next level by beginning his collegiate career at Bryant and Stratton College in Wauwatosa, Wis., where he was a two-way player who quickly earned a spot as a relief pitcher and closer, with a fastball that touched 90 mph.

“His hard work and intense focus paid off,” McLean said. “He has a nasty slider that really keeps hitters off balance.”

Seeking a new challenge and an opportunity to advance his craft further, Anderson headed to North Carolina and enrolled at Catawba Valley Community College. As a relief pitcher for the Red Hawks, Ian pitched 28.1 innings in 15 games with an impressive 3.19 ERA. Opposing hitters struggled when Ian was on the mound, registering a mere .198 batting average. Anderson produced an astonishing 11.41 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.

Those efforts were noticed, as Anderson’s talent caught the eyes of numerous scouts. After considering several Division 1 opportunities, Anderson chose MTSU.

The largest school in Tennessee, the Blue Raiders campus is located 30 minutes south of Nashville.

“I thank my parents especially for helping me to reach this dream of mine because they were a big part of my success,” Anderson said.

Anderson has two years of NCAA eligibility remaining to continue to live out his dream and work toward potential opportunities at an even higher level following college. The competition will be challenging for Anderson, as MTSU faces a brutal schedule with schools such as Alabama and Vanderbilt on the docket.

In its history, MTSU has had more than a dozen players who have made it to the Major League level.

“Those who have known Ian throughout the years have always been impressed by his work ethic, drive, and willingness to do whatever it takes to reach his goals,” McLean said. “His friends and family are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and look forward to following his baseball journey.”

Not only is Anderson a gifted athlete, but he is also a dedicated student who will graduate with a business degree in the spring of 2025.

— Report compiled by Ron Deuter for The Daily News.