Baseball Player Magazine

It is the effort and dedication of the coaches, both on and off the field, that unite a team and provide tremendous insight and inspiration for their players. In each issue of BPM, we will honor one chosen coach who truly has a love of the game and his team.

BPM was able to sit down with Hofstra Prides’ Head Baseball Coach Patrick Anderson. As he enters into his third season as the leader of this team I can see the look of determination to bring this team to the next level.

BPM: Thanks for taking some time out of your busy schedule to talk to BPM. Patrick: No problem, I could talk baseball for hours.

BPM: I’m sure with your background you could. Let’s get right to it though. Can you tell us how you became the head coach at Hofstra University?

Patrick: I actually was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Director from 1998-2001 at Hofstra. I then went on to work nine years in professional baseball. During that time I worked with the Kansas City Royals Organization at various levels. An opportunity opened up back here in 2008, and here I am now. 

BPM: You’re now starting your third season as head coach. You have talent returning. How about your freshman class coming in?

Patrick: Our entire staff is very excited about the guys we brought in. We have some local talent that we recruited along with four ballplayers from junior colleges in southern California, and a young talent from Georgia. These guys have all been getting to know each other. I think the players and coaches alike are excited to play.

BPM: What do you and the staff look for when recruiting a player?

Patrick: We look for the overall make up. That is the number one thing.

BPM: Do you see your team coming together?

Patrick: We are out there practicing each day. To answer that question though-we had a workout recently, a running workout. One of the guys wasn’t feeling well, but said nothing. At the end of the run we could tell he wasn’t feeling well. One of my players stayed with him until he felt better. It means a lot to a coaching staff when you see your guys out there supporting each other. So yes, the team is coming together.

BPM: And the coaches you are working with?

Patrick: I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with the coaches on this staff. This year we brought in Jeremy Hill to work with our catchers.  Returning to the team are James Lally, our pitching coach and our infield coach, John Russo.

BPM: Sounds like your excited for the season. Let’s talk about last season for a minute. You started off slow, but at the same time you played against some accomplished programs? How do you keep the kids motivated?

Patrick: The big thing we tell the kids is that they have to stay consistent and compete at every pitch. It’s that simple.

BPM: Do you mind if I ask you about your passion for baseball? You really just seem to love the game.

Patrick: I do. I grew up in the south, and down there they really embrace the purity of the sport. I learned that baseball is a beautiful game. One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had was out in Idaho. I was playing out there and we had just gotten our butts kicked. I walked across the street and watched a little league game. The kids were coaching the bases and everyone was having a great time on the field. It was a great sight to see.

BPM: Well who knows, maybe you’ll make it out to one of the local little league games and get that same feeling. I know you have a team to get to. Maybe a couple of seasons too late, but welcome back to Long Island. BPM wishes you the best of luck in your 2011 season.