a group of people standing in front of a crowd

Stahl Post 30 honors longtime manager and coach Bob Anderson 

Nick HallidayHeadlines, Sports

a group of people standing in front of a crowd

 

On what started out as a beautiful night for baseball Monday, Stahl post 30 played its first game in over 30-plus years without their longtime coach and manager Bob Anderson.

Robert L. “Bob” Anderson died Saturday. July 3.  He was a commander of the Sons of American Legion, a member of Stahl Post 30 (40+ years), and coach/manager of Stahl Post 30 American Legion Baseball team.

Bob has graced Wilson field with Stahl Post for over more than three decades as head coach, team manager or a member of team. 

Before Monday night’s game against Del Vets, Stahl Post 30 wanted to honor Bob. Bob’s wife, Charlotte Anderson, was accompanied by their two sons Robert Anderson Jr and Matthew Anderson, with many more family members by their side. 

Robert L Anderson

Robert L. “Bob” Anderson Sr

Stahl Post coaching staff led by Tom Campbell, Mike Wilson, Bill Sullivan III, Jeff Brannock, and Brian Honeycutt as well as a field full of fans, baseball alumni and Legion members paying tribute to Anderson.

Del Vets color guard started it off by singing the national anthem. Then umpire Ed Bradford sang “God Bless America.”  

Campbell had a plaque made in Bob’s honor that he presented to Charlotte Anderson, recognizing the many years of Bob’s dedication.

“With Bob’s passing we have some big shoes to fill and we promise to do all we can to fill those shoes,” Campbell said.

Leadoff batter Brandon Crygo presented Charlotte with a signed ball from this year’s team.

Then Robert Jr. and Matthew Anderson were asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitches of the game.

Robert Jr. and Matthew said their dad was most proud of the four years in which Stahl Post won the Delaware American Legion state championship “but he always talked about the 2013 team.”

 

a group of baseball players posing for a photo

Stahl Post 30 2013 Delaware American Legion state champions. Anderson is far right.

 

In 2013 Stahl won their first two games in the regional looking very promising to represent the Mid-Atlantic region in the world series, but fell to the eventual world series champions Brooklawn, New Jersey.

“Bob loved baseball and the kids,” Charlotte said. “It was all about the kids.”

It was always easy at the field to tell Bob was well liked and loved by his family and friends.

A special thanks to the Del vets Coach Mike Buono as well as Stahl Post coaching staff and the Anderson family for allowing us to be a part of honoring Bob Anderson.  

The game itself ended up being cut short by storms. To check for a make-up game or the rest of the schedule for the Delaware American Legion baseball season, go here

 

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