SHORELINE — Shorewood senior Logan Anderson has gone about his business on the mound in his final year as a Storm Ray. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound righty has put his talent on full display in 2023 and is one of the latest elite aces to develop through the Shorewood baseball program.
Anderson has been as steady as it comes as a starter for longtime coach Wyatt Tonkin, posting a season-long 0.49 ERA over 43 innings pitched, striking out 68 batters, allowing just three earned runs and 20 total hits.
After a junior season when he sported a 2.51 ERA, Anderson has been particularly zoned in this year with his overall efficiency, including a dominant stretch from March 28 through April 19 when he fanned 47 batters over four appearances.
Anderson’s main weapon of choice has been his smooth-rolling fastball, which tops out 92 miles per hour with a consistent range from 88-to-91. His season numbers signal the makings of yet another big-time pitcher to make the leap under Tonkin, who is in his 24th season at the helm.
“First off, he’s just a great young man,” Tonkin said. “He’s very strong, athletic and very coachable. Logan’s best asset is his work ethic, I don’t think I’ve had many players who’ve worked as hard as him. We’ve had some pretty good arms at Shorewood over the years and he’s right up there with them, but his work ethic is extraordinary. He’s got goals and desires and he works hard to get them.”
Tonkin, who attended O’Dea High School and the University of Washington before being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1976, has grown a reputation for pumping out college and pro prospects from his pitching staff over the years.
Whether it be former Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, who graduated in 2011; Riley O’Brien (2013), who went to Everett Community College and currently plays for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers; or former 3A state-title winner Ian Oxnevad, who graduated in 2015 and was drafted by St. Louis, it always seems like Shorewood ends up with another elite arm.
“Each one of those guys had their own unique way of doing things,” Tonkin said. “Logan has done a fantastic job for us all season long . … He’s always got a plan for attacking hitters, it’s almost like he’s a workaholic when it comes to his pitching. He’s got very good movement on (his fastball). With the way he works, he’ll be in the mid-90s in college.”
In addition to playing baseball, Anderson also played football, in which Tonkin also coached him.
“My relationship with Tonkin goes way back, I’ve known him for a long time,” Anderson said. “He’s got multiple guys in pro leagues now. He’s known for his pitching development, and he’s helped me on and off the field. Great guy, big inspiration. … I think about it almost every day, how I want to be the next one, one of those guys.”
The Storm Rays (14-6, 11-3) begin district tournament play on May 6 against Monroe after finishing second behind Edmonds-Woodway in the Wesco 3A/2A South division.
Anderson has his eyes set on delivering a strong postseason run down the stretch and continuing onto the next level in his career.
“I think there’s a lot (my coaches) have seen and a lot they haven’t seen. Putting in the work from behind the curtains, that’s a thing that a lot of kids struggle with,” Anderson said. “Finding the right amount of time to work, that’s something I’ve learned over the last four years, what it truly takes to get to that highest level.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
Gallery
