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FSC's Chuck Anderson Dies

LAKELAND, Fla. (April 3, 2003)- Florida Southern College has lost one of its legends. Sixty-three year old former baseball coach and associate athletic director for special projects Chuck Anderson died today from cancer. 

For over 43 years Chuck Anderson was a fixture on the baseball diamond. He first came to Florida Southern in 1958 as a first baseman and pitcher for the Moccasins and during his career was twice named Moccasin Most Valuable Player. Following his graduation in 1963, Anderson joined his alma mater as an assistant coach under Hal Smeltzly. In 1984, a life-long dream was realized when he was named head coach of his beloved Moccasins.

"We have lost a very special member of our FSC family," said FSC President Tom Reuschling. "He waged an amazing battle against this disease. He was an inspiration on the baseball diamond but more importantly in life."

From 1984 to his retirement in 2002, Anderson compiled a career record of 843-251-1 over 20 seasons (including 1967 when he served as interim head coach), placing him second in Division II history with a .770 winning percentage. His 843 career wins ranked 12th on the all-time Division II coaching list.

In 1985, just his second year as head coach, Anderson led the Moccasins to the NCAA Division II National Championship - a feat the Mocs would repeat in 1988 and 1995. Under Anderson, the Moccasins won six regional titles and competed in post-season play in 17 of his 20 seasons.

A three-time National Coach of the Year in 1985, 1988 and 1995, Anderson was similarly honored six times in the South Region. He also was voted Coach of the Year eight times in the Sunshine State Conference.

Anderson was a member of five different Halls of Fame. In 1983, he was inducted into the FSC Baseball Hall of Fame and was included in the inaugural class of the FSC Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Anderson was also a member of the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2001, and was inducted into the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame in 1996. But perhaps the crowning glory came in 1999 when the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) honored Anderson for his long-time service to college baseball with his induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame.

As a further tribute to his long career at Florida Southern, Anderson's jersey, number 12, was retired in 1999.

An active member of the ABCA, Anderson served as president of the coaches' organization and spent six years as its Division II chair. He also served on the ABCA Hall of Fame, All-America and National Poll Committees and spent a three-year term as a member of the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee.

Anderson's involvement in baseball went beyond the collegiate level with his work in international baseball. He had served several stints as an assistant coach with Team USA and in 1994, served as head coach of the USA National Team.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Chris, as well as their three children, Jeff, Ross and Cindy. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 7, at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lakeland. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Chuck Anderson Baseball Scholarship at Florida Southern College.

About Florida Southern College
Florida Southern is a four-year, private, co-educational liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and a master of business administration degree accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Located in Lakeland, Fla., the college is home to the largest, single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. 

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