Sebastian Sanchez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Shadow Mountain High School for AZPrep365.com.

In the world of sports, family is everything, and for one father and son, this will be their final season together on the diamond.

Chris and Kyle Anderson share a deep-rooted passion for baseball. For Chris, who has coached all five of his sons, this season will be a bittersweet farewell to coaching his youngest. As Kyle prepares to leave for college, he and his dad will take the field one last time as a team, leaving a baseball legacy at Shadow Mountain.

“To have him (dad) there for my last season, it’s going to be really special,” Kyle said. “Closing that chapter in my life.”

Chris began his coaching career when his kids started Little League. “At the field five to seven days a week,” Chris said. “I don't even feel like it’s a job to coach. It’s just something I enjoy so much. I get to watch them grow and become better baseball players.”

There was always a pair of gloves to play catch. They all shared a competitive spirit, building an unbreakable bond through baseball that they will always treasure. “Every game is memorable for me because I get to watch them do what they love,” Chris said.

Kyle Anderson (photo by Anjeanette Photography)

Kyle has been involved with sports since he was 4, but it wasn’t until the sixth grade that he realized his potential. Matadors head coach Troy Farnsworth, who played in the minor leagues for six seasons, has helped him in every aspect of the game. At Shadow Mountain, he has 88 hits, 71 RBIs and 15 home runs. “Kyle is a really good baseball player,” Farnsworth said. “He’s having a fantastic year. His numbers are off the charts.” Through 22 games, Kyle is hitting .524 at the plate.

Finding the right balance between support and discipline can be challenging when coaching your child. For Chris, the key is to treat your child like any other player on the team. While he admits to being harder on his son, he always saves constructive criticism for private moments.

“It’s good to have him out there knowing you’ll have someone to support you if things go south,” Kyle said.

Having two decades of experience, Chris’ message to other dads with aspirations of coaching their kids: “You’ve got to be honest and up-front with them.”

Kyle will continue his baseball career at Chandler-Gilbert community college with the goal of transferring to a Power 5 school within two years. University of Florida, Tennessee and Texas are some schools on his radar. Kyle is ready to contribute on the mound, in the field or at the plate. “They’re going to be getting a good hitter, a really good defensive player and an arm on the mound,” Farnsworth said.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Chris said. “I know Chandler-Gilbert has got some good players that have come out of that school.”

Notable Major League players from Chandler-Gilbert community college

Andre Ethier: The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was known for his consistent hitting and a strong arm. The two-time All-Star finished his career with 162 home runs and 687 RBIs. In 2020, Ethier was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

Eric Young Jr: Versatile player who played for the Rockies, Mets, Braves, Yankees and Angels. The speedster was known for his base-stealing ability. In 2013, Young Jr. led the National League in stolen bases (46) with the Colorado Rockies.

The Andersons take the diamond together one last season (photo by Anjeanette Photography)

Relentless is the word Chris used to describe his son – “If he wants to get it done, he’ll get it done.”

As the season comes to a close, senior night on April 24 against Yuma will be a significant event for the Andersons. “It’s going to be very special,” Chris said. “This one might be a little bit harder because it's the last one.”

For Kyle, the end of this season will be a chance to leave his mark on Shadow Mountain’s baseball program and say goodbye to his dad as his coach. “I've been lucky to have someone like my dad,” Kyle said.

The Andersons will forever be a baseball family.