Wild Things Sign RHP Mike Anthony
WASHINGTON, Pa. (May 15) – Today the Wild Things have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Mike Anthony, who pitched with the Florence Freedom during the 2017 season.
For the Freedom, Anthony appeared in 16 games, all in relief, accumulating 15 innings pitched. The 23-year-old maintained a 5.40 ERA, allowed 16 hits, walked six and struck out 15 batters.
“We saw Mike pitch and succeed in pressure situations during the playoffs in 2017,” said assistant general manager of team operations Tony Buccilli. “He has a unique pitch mix and has the mentality to pitch in a variety of roles. We will ease him into games and let his production dictate how we use him moving forward.”
Prior to arriving in the Frontier League, Anthony pitched for two seasons at Division II Lock Haven University. During his 2016 campaign, the Brookhaven, Pennsylvania native started nine games for the Bald Eagles and sported a 5-2 record with a 3.88 ERA in his junior season. In 58 innings that season, Anthony struck out 54 batters.
His 2017 with Lock Haven as a senior was his best, as Anthony pitched to a 6-3 record with a 3.41 ERA in 10 starts and four relief appearances. Anthony threw six complete games, struck out 72 batters and walked just 12 in 71 innings of work.
Before arriving at Lock Haven, Anthony spent two years at Northampton Community College. He pitched 97.1 innings for the Spartans, notching 111 strikeouts compared to 54 walks. As a freshman at Northampton, Anthony had a minuscule 1.34 ERA in 53.2 innings.
The Wild Things home opener will be later today at 7:05 p.m. against the Gateway Grizzlies. The three-game set will end Thursday night before the team hits the road for another three-game series, this time with the Lake Erie Crushers.
