Joe Gaiter: What does baseball mean to you?
Kelechi Anyanwu: Baseball means a lot to me. It has instilled so many life lessons as well as paid for my education and allowed me to experience the world in a way I might not have got to if baseball wasn’t in my life.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Kelechi Anyanwu: My untold story starts with a kid and a dream to make it out of in the inner city of Portland, Oregon through the game of baseball. Coming out of Benson Tech High School I garnered up a lot Division 1 attention the biggest school being University of Pittsburgh. I ended up committing to Feather River College a junior college in Northern California. It was there I learned “work ethic.” It forced me to learn right away that I’m not the best player… yet at least. I stayed there for a year before getting back on the Division 1 scene. I transferred to Grambling State University in Louisiana. That was fun and also my first experience in the south. But I wasn’t getting too much playing time, not enough to be considered a pro prospect. So, I transferred and finished out my college playing career at Clark Atlanta.
Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood.
Kelechi Anyanwu: I grew up in the inner of Portland, Oregon. Not too many people know about it. Nike is about the main thing we’re known for. I played my Little League baseball for Parkrose! I grew up with 4 younger sisters. So, I was always wanting to show my sisters that they can do whatever they set they’re mind to. I first realized baseball was my passion when I was 9 years old when we won the district tournament. By that age, we were traveling different states on the weekends that’s when I realized I want to do this for as long as possible.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Clark Atlanta?
Kelechi Anyanwu: My fondest memories of playing at Clark Atlanta are when I hit my two walk off game winning hits. Those were special for me because those were my first collegiate ones. Something I’ll never forget. Another fond memory was when we just missed the playoffs, that one hurt and it propelled me to work harder!
Joe Gaiter: How did it feel to go back to your home and play for the Portland Pickles?
Kelechi Anyanwu: Felt amazing coming home to play in front of 5,000 people for the Portland Pickles every night. Those guys over there run their organization like a professional team, very class act. It felt good to be the hometown favorite.
Joe Gaiter: You currently play for the Road City Explorers in Aguada, Puerto Rico. How do you like the team so far?
Kelechi Anyanwu: Yup, I just wrapped up my first professional season for the explorers that was amazing being able to play with that type of talent helped me get better. Talent in guys who have been drafted and have been high radar guys. Playing in Puerto Rico isn’t so bad either. (laughs) We made it to the semifinals of the playoffs before getting knocked out by a team from NY.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your contribution to the team?
Kelechi Anyanwu: I’ve contributed to the team another reliable defensive glove and an arm they know they fill some innings on the mound. I played 2nd base and pitched out of the bullpen something that was new for me. I would describe my playing style as FAST! I make things happen out of nothing with my legs and other teams know that and try to stop it!
Joe Gaiter: What is a day like as a pro baseball player during the season?
Kelechi Anyanwu: A day in the life as a professional baseball player starts way before the scheduled game start time. We have breakfast in The A.M. then proceed to get our early defensive and hitting work in after that we hit the weight room to get a lift in before getting ready for the game later that evening and that’s EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Joe Gaiter: Was it hard getting adjusted to the culture?
Kelechi Anyanwu: As far as getting adjusted, that was the fun part. I got to experience the culture and the lifestyle that comes with being a professional baseball player on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I’m very excited to get my second pro season started whenever that may be with this pandemic taking place. I’ll be ready though.
Joe Gaiter: What game do you remember the most?
Kelechi Anyanwu: It’s funny my most memorable game actually came back in college when I was playing for the Gresham grey wolves summer team, we got the opportunity to play the San Francisco Giants minor league team and I went a perfect 3-3 at the plate vs guys who had signed for hundreds of thousands of dollars, that day really solidified for myself that I could play with anyone.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel you have reached your athletic peak?
Kelechi Anyanwu: Do I think I’ve reached my potential peak? Not even close and that’s the scary part!
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Kelechi Anyanwu: My agent is A’lon Santiago out of Artery Global Sports. Those guys have been very supportive of my career and there based out of the west coast where I’m from and train that’s why I signed on with them.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your motivation?
Kelechi Anyanwu: My mother and sisters are my motivation. They know I’m going to bring it back home to the family every time I step out.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we should keep on our radar next season?
Kelechi Anyanwu: Raphael Andrades! This guy makes the game look pretty easy. We transferred into Clark Atlanta together and actually ended up playing our first season of pro ball against each other. He’ll be a good one for seasons to come.
Joe Gaiter: How have you been staying active and injury free during your off-season?
Kelechi Anyanwu: I’ve been training extremely hard every 5 days out the week, eating the proper foods my body needs. I feel good. I’ll be ready whenever it’s time to go.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Kelechi Anyanwu: I want my legacy to be that he was always working hard and he never gave up even when the odds were against him.
Joe Gaiter: What is your advice to college baseball players who are discouraged and depressed about losing their 2020 season?
Kelechi Anyanwu: My advice to college players who had they’re season cut short is to just use this as motivation, and keep busting your butt everyday…don’t be content!
