City honors Josh Anderson

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Mayor Eddie Girdler and the City of Somerset honored Atlanta Braves baseball player Josh Anderson by dedicating a portion of University Drive to him. Pictured is Girdler (at right) with Anderson and his wife Heather during the ceremony on Friday. Susan Wheeldon Photo

October 27, 2008

Braves outfielder has street dedicated to him

By SUSAN WHEELDON, CJ Staff Writer The Commonwealth Journal Mon Oct 27, 2008, 07:51 AM EDT

The City of Somerset honored Atlanta Braves outfielder Josh Anderson on Friday for his representation of the community and his accomplishments.

Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler and members of the Somerset City Council held a dedication ceremony, dedicating a portion University Drive to Anderson, who is one of most famous athletes to come out of the area.

University Drive is the location of Pulaski County High School, Anderson’s former high school. The portion of University Drive dedicated to Josh runs North Main Street to Ky. 39.

“It’s quite an honor to honor a great man in our community,” said Girdler. “We’re just so proud of him ... he’s helped put us on the map.

Somerset City Councilor Jimmy Eastham, who headed up the effort to get the street dedicated in honor of Anderson, said Anderson is a breath of fresh air.

Eastham said people can tell their children or grandchildren to look to Josh for an example.

“Josh, we’re proud of you and thank you for all you’ve done,” added Girdler.

When accepted the plaque, Anderson showed only gratitude and gratefulness for the honor like on so many other occasions, thanking others for their help throughout his life and letting everyone present know how grateful he is for all the community support.

“Words don’t justify how I feel,” said Anderson. “... It’s an honor to be here and receive this (award).”

Anderson credited his success to his “great family” who raised him in church, and credited the Lord for that. He also said over the years he has had many good people, who have been instruments in his life.

Anderson said when he was young and playing baseball in the fields of Science Hill, he dreamed of playing baseball in the pros, but didn’t know that it was ever going to happen.

“It’s incredible,” said Anderson. “ ... There’s not a day, I take it for granted.”

Anderson noted, however, to those from his hometown there are times it’s tough.

“There’s a lot of sacrifice to do what you love,” said Anderson. “There’s a lot of stuff that comes along with a dream.

Anderson noted the many moves he and his wife, Heather, have made, sometimes several times in one year.

“I’ve been fortunate enough the Lord has helped me every step of the way,” said Anderson.

Anderson said he also had to adjust to how much media attention came along with playing in the pros and the 60,000 people, who were in the stands watching the game and remember to just play his game.

“My goal is just to represent this community the best I know how,” said Anderson.

“I would say I would like to play for the next 10 years, but that’s all in God’s hands,” added Anderson.

Anderson played baseball at Pulaski County High School and then Eastern Kentucky University and then was selected by the Houston Astros in the fourth round of the 2003 draft and began his career with the organization in June of that year. He played for the Lexington Legends, the Salem (NC) Avalanche and Corpus Christi Hooks before joining the Triple-A Round Rock Express team in the Pacific Coast League.

In September 2007, Anderson was called up from the minors and played for the Houston Astros. In November 2007, he was traded from the Astros to the Atlanta Braves playing a short stint this spring with the Braves before returning to the minors. Anderson returned to the Braves on Aug. 27, after the Braves traded starting center fielder Mark Kotsay to the Boston Red Sox.

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