Sports
Mokena Native Dean Anna Signs Deal with New York Yankees
The 5-foot-11, left-handed batter and Lincoln-Way East grad formerly played for a San Diego Padres' affiliate.
Mokena residents might have to become fans of the New York Yankees, now that their own Dean Anna has been added to the roster.
The Yankees announced Sunday that they've signed Anna, which comes on the heels of Anna’s amazing 2013 season with the San Diego Padres’ affiliate in Tucson, Ariz. where he was awarded the title of 2013 Pacific Coast League Batting Champion, with a .331 average.
A left-handed batter who occasionally plays shortstop and third base, Anna shines at second base, where his 2013 season brought a fielding average percentage comparable to the Majors.
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Anna is a graduate of Lincoln-Way East high school, and attended John A. Logan College in Cartersville, Ill., and Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 26th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. In six minor league seasons, Anna’s career batting average is .286 and an OBP of .386.
The 26-year-old has been in Tampa, Florida for spring training since January, arriving early to train alongside veteran players like fellow Yankee, Derek Jeter.It's easy to keep up with Patch!
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