TOPEKA, Kan. — More than 1,500 people gathered at Washburn University’s baseball field Monday afternoon to remember long-time baseball coach Steve Anson.
It’s been little over one week since he died in a tree-trimming accident at his home. Now his family, friends and former players are coming together to celebrate his life.
People at the remembrance event ate hot dogs and listened to music. Players also signed a No. 19 jersey for Anson’s family and friends collected donations for Anson’s memorial fund, which will go to pay for his two grandsons’ college educations.
While some people fought back tears, most tried to focus on happier times and reminisced about the impact Anson had on so many lives.
“He didn’t care about winning or losing,” said Washburn pitcher Connor Brady. “He cared about how his players would turn out and how they would impact the world away from baseball.”
Before coaching at Washburn, Anson was a standout player for Kansas State. He holds the school record for career triples with 19 and secured a spot on the Wildcats All-Century Team.
“He was competitive,” said Anson’s former high school baseball coach, Joe Hoffman. “He’s one of a kind. They don’t come along very often.”
Former K-State teammate Scott Mach described Anson as a loyal friend – one whose spirit he felt on the field.
“He was one of those guys who would do anything for you,” he said. “We called him Eagle and you just feel like he’s here, flying around, looking down on us saying, ‘Hey, this is the way I would want it.'”