What is "anthony bender"?

Anthony Bender is a professional baseball player who currently plays as a pitcher for the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was born on May 12, 1995, in Santa Rosa, California, and attended Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California. Bender was not initially drafted out of high school and instead went on to play college baseball at Santa Rosa Junior College.

After two successful seasons at Santa Rosa Junior College, Bender transferred to the University of Washington to continue his collegiate career. In his junior year at Washington, he posted an impressive 2.17 ERA in 37.1 innings pitched, catching the attention of MLB scouts. Bender was then selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.

Bender spent the next few years working his way through the minor leagues in the Royals organization. He showed promise as a pitcher with a strong fastball and slider combination, but it wasn't until 2021 that he finally made his MLB debut with the Royals. In his debut season, Bender appeared in 22 games and recorded a 4.40 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched.

Following the 2021 season, Bender was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins in November. The Marlins saw potential in Bender and believed he could be a valuable addition to their bullpen. In his first season with the Marlins in 2022, Bender has been a standout performer with a 2.45 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 40.1 innings pitched as of August.

One of Bender's strengths as a pitcher is his ability to generate ground balls and induce weak contact from hitters. He has a sinking fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a sharp slider that keeps hitters off balance. Bender's command and control have also improved over the years, allowing him to attack hitters effectively and keep them guessing.

In addition to his pitching abilities, Bender also brings a competitive edge and a strong work ethic to the Marlins clubhouse. He is known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to put in the extra work to improve his game. Bender's teammates and coaches have praised his professionalism and his positive attitude, making him a valuable asset both on and off the field.

Off the field, Bender is involved in various charitable endeavors and community outreach programs. He is committed to giving back to the community and using his platform as a professional athlete to make a positive impact. Bender has participated in youth baseball clinics, charity events, and fundraisers to support causes that are important to him.

Looking ahead, Bender's future in MLB looks bright as he continues to establish himself as a reliable and effective reliever for the Marlins. With his strong pitching arsenal and competitive mindset, Bender has the potential to become a key contributor to the Marlins bullpen for years to come. His journey from an undrafted college player to a successful MLB pitcher is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and determination to succeed in the game he loves.

In conclusion, Anthony Bender is a rising star in Major League Baseball who has overcome obstacles and proven himself as a talented and dedicated pitcher. His journey from college baseball to the MLB is a story of perseverance and hard work, and his success with the Miami Marlins is a testament to his skills and determination. As he continues to grow and develop in the league, Bender has the potential to make a significant impact on the Marlins and leave a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.