READING — After years of extra swings, grounders, and holding himself to a higher standard, Reading High School graduate Stephen Anderson is taking his game to the next level. The 2025 middle infielder is headed to play baseball at Adrian College.
Anderson capped off his senior season by helping lead the Rangers to their first baseball district championship since 2018, a run fueled by clutch hitting and veteran leadership.
“I was really drawn to baseball ever since I was like about four or five years old,” Anderson said. “I’ve always loved that there’s no room for error. You have to be accountable. If something went wrong, it was on me, and I held myself to that.”
A program-changing win
Reading’s 2025 district title broke a drought and settled a score. After two consecutive losses to Camden-Frontier in previous district finals, the Rangers flipped the script with a 10-3 win, sparked by Anderson’s three-hit performance that included a double, an RBI, and a run scored. He also had a hit and scored in a 7-5 semifinal win over Pittsford.
Anderson led the team with a .404 on-base percentage, was tied for the team lead in stolen bases with 15, and launched Reading’s only home run of the season. He finished with:
His efforts earned second team all-area honors, multiple all-conference selections, and previous recognition as Reading’s team offensive player of the year.
All-in
Anderson’s drive was never about external pressure. His parents, Jennifer and Dana Anderson, said the motivation has always come from within.
“He’s very disciplined,” they said. “He works on his throwing and his swing (because) he wants to succeed. Nobody’s forced him to do that. He’s doing it all on his own.”
The connection with Adrian College coach Craig Rainey developed naturally and consistently, they said, with plenty of conversations about baseball and life.
Stephen said he’s looking forward to joining a roster that already includes a few former teammates and to building on what he started in high school.
Why Adrian?
Anderson explored multiple options in Michigan and Virginia before deciding on Adrian during the summer. The school’s baseball facilities and the atmosphere around the program stood out right away.
“The coach, he’s a really good guy,” Anderson said. “He holds his players accountable, and I’ll get to play with a few of my buddies that I played with throughout my high school career. That’s what I’m really excited about.”
He’ll pursue an associate degree in business administration with plans to go into real estate after college.
“I really like the small class sizes and the professors are really straightforward,” he said. “They’re there all the time.”
His parents agreed, saying Adrian’s structure — from student support to coaching involvement — gives Stephen the environment to thrive.
Impact beyond the diamond
Anderson was just as valuable on the football field, helping the Rangers win their first district title since 2019. He earned second team all-conference honors as a defensive end despite missing three games with a concussion.
He finished the year:
He lined up at defensive end, running back, wide receiver and backup quarterback — showcasing the versatility that earned him all-area dream team honors and Academic All-State recognition from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.
On the baseball field, Anderson was known for his smarts, especially as a base runner — often catching pitchers off guard and forcing mistakes in tight games.
Gratitude and support
Anderson credited his family, especially his grandfather, for the constant support throughout his athletic career.
“My parents were always there giving me rides, encouraging me,” he said. “And my grandpa, Anderson — I don’t think he ever missed one of my games. So, I’m really thankful for that.”
Stephen is the oldest of three siblings and the first in his family to play college sports. His parents said the recruiting process was unfamiliar at first but paid off in the end.
“We signed up for NCSA to help get him noticed,” Jennifer said. “that’s what got Adrian’s attention for him. So, I mean, we’re obviously glad for that.”
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Adrian Bulldogs bring in former champion and leader of Reading baseball Stephen Anderson
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
