Former professional baseball player Brian Anderson talks helping senior citizens and being on-air in the second chapter of his life / by Heather Lynn Horvat / photos by James Patrick 42 <strong>Scottsdale</strong><strong>Health</strong> 12/19
Former professional baseball player and Arizona native Brian Anderson loved baseball since he can remember. “Some of my most vivid memories are of my father chucking balls to me,” he says. Growing up in Tucson, Anderson attended Canyon del Oro High School where several players went on to the big leagues. In 2000, Anderson was named Arizona State Player of the Year. During his time at University of Arizona, he was named an All-American twice before being drafted in the first round in 2003 by the Chicago White Sox. “Growing up, Ken Griffey, Jr. was my idol. Fast forward and his locker was two down from mine. It was such a humbling experience,” he says. Anderson made the legendary diving save that sent the Sox to the playoffs in 2008. In 2005, his rookie year, he was integral in helping Chicago sweep the Houston Astros in four games to win their first World Series in 88 years. “I remember in my rookie year, not only was it one of the most amazing experiences as a 23-year-old, but I was able to fill in for regular starters. It is truly a team effort to get the job done,” he says. TURNING THE PAGE Anderson spent five seasons playing in the MLB. He’s now retired from the sport, and currently splits his time between Chicago and Arizona. In addition to a decade-long broadcasting career, traveling for projects with NBC Sports, Pac12 Network and Comcast Sports, he also works locally for Prime Care Hospice, living out his passion for helping senior citizens and their families navigate the hospice and healthcare world. The company’s motto – live well, finish well – resonates with Anderson for reasons both professional and personal. “I have a soft spot for the older generation,” he says. “This is the second chapter of my life and I need to find something now to make me happy; not continue to chase the old dream. I want to have a meaningful and positive impact, and that’s why healthcare is so important to me.” Anderson also volunteers with the Caris Sports Foundation to raise awareness and funds for underprivileged kids to participate in sports. “THIS IS THE SECOND CHAPTER OF MY LIFE AND I NEED TO FIND SOMETHING NOW TO MAKE ME HAPPY; NOT CONTINUE TO CHASE THE OLD DREAM. I WANT TO HAVE A MEANINGFUL AND POSITIVE IMPACT, AND THAT’S WHY HEALTHCARE IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME.” A MOTIVATED MACHINE Though his career these days doesn’t require him to stay in gameready shape, Anderson still holds health and wellness in high regards. Personal accountability is a huge part of his success. “In pro baseball you have access to any food you want. Post career, there’s no structure of a diet, so you have free range to eat whatever and whenever,” Anderson says. “I tell myself I’m not 20 years old anymore, and that it’s simply not an option to eat whatever I want.” Anderson cites his cousin and workout buddy, Shane, for keeping him motivated to work out and eat healthy. His secret to healthy eating is to plan out his meals ahead of time, with his go-to staples being ground beef, veggies, and brown rice. When he needs a quick meal on-the-go, he opts for Chipotle’s basic bowl of chicken, rice and salsa. A big advocate for eating throughout the day, Anderson advises to feed your body like the machine it is and not to be afraid to indulge every now and then. “Cheat days are necessary. Soft chocolate chip cookies will always put me into a food coma,” he says. FROM THE INSIDE OUT Outside of baseball, Anderson is focused on being a good brother and an integral part of his family. His own mental health has been a key component in his lifestyle change. “Always trying to reach that pinnacle and chasing the high of the game takes a toll,” he says “Former athletes still want that feeling and still strive for it, even though it’s hard to find again. For me, I’ve had to come to terms with myself and it’s hard. It’s a constant battle to hold a positive outlook; some days are better than others.” Though Anderson has an impressive resume, he’s not immune to battling the same struggles other people face. “On paper, I look great but I still feel like that’s not good enough. I battle with myself every day,” he says. For Anderson, mental and physical health go hand-in-hand. He credits time spent with friends for adding extra value to his life. “Mental health is a taboo subject. People are scared and embarrassed [to talk about it],” he says, My advice is to just get it out in the open and talk about it. You’d be surprised who’s there to help.” 12/19 <strong>Scottsdale</strong><strong>Health</strong> 43
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