Leslie Anderson

From BR Bullpen

Leslie Anderson Stephen

Bats Left, Throws Left
Height 6' 1", Weight 203 lb.

Born March 30, 1982 in Guantánamo, Guantánamo Cuba

Leslie Anderson has played briefly for the Cuban national team.

Anderson debuted with a bang for Camagüey in the 2000-2001 Serie Nacional, hitting .291/.371/.438 with 28 doubles, a rookie record and tied for the most in the lead. In 2001-2002, he hit .309/.396/.467. He played for Cuba in the 2002 World University Championship, helping them win Gold; he hit .250/.267/.429 yet made the All-Tournament team in the outfield.

In the 2002-2003 season, the 20-year-old batted .319/.400/.460 with 61 runs in 83 games. Anderson hit .337/.424/.485 in 2003-2004 to finish 17th in the league in average. During the 2004-2005 campaign, the young slugger batted .313/.395/.406. He had a huge season in 2005-2006, with a batting line of .363/.438/.574, 15 home runs, 67 runs and 62 RBI in 88 games. He was 5th in the league in average and among the leaders in other departments.

His fine 2005-2006 season earned him a spot on Cuba's team for the 2006 World Baseball Classic, going 0 for 5 with a walk as a back-up to Ariel Borrero and Joan Carlos Pedroso at first base. Anderson slumped to .301/.393/.410 in 2006-2007.

The Camagüey batsmen bounced back in 2007-2008, with a batting line of .336/.455/.564 with 19 home runs, 66 walks, 69 runs and 63 RBI in 90 games. He was 9th in the circuit in long balls, tied Yoandry Urgellés for 5th in total bases (186) and tied for 4th in walks.

He was on Cuba's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic, splitting first base duties with Alexander Mayeta and Joan Carlos Pedroso. Anderson was 2 for 9 with a double, no runs and no RBI in the event.

In 2008-2009, Anderson batted .381/.490/.572. He finished 5th in the batting race behind Michel Enríquez, Yulieski Gourriel, Yorelvis Charles and Giorvis Duvergel. He also won a Gold Glove at first base. He left Cuba following that season.