EAST LANSING— Not even a week into the college baseball season Michigan State is already leaving its mark. On top of a 4-0 start to the season, redshirt junior infielder Jacob Anderson has been named to the 2025 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team.
The team is put together by Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation based on an athlete’s achievements in three areas. A substantial commitment to their community through service and philanthropy, embodying the generous spirit and character of Lou Gehrig, and making remarkable contributions to the success of their respective teams.
Anderson was the lone Big Ten athlete to find his name on the prestigious list, with Louisville’s Kamau Neighbors being the only other player from a Power Four school.
Being one of MSU’s captains, Anderson is already known as a compassionate leader on campus. His commitment extends beyond the field, balancing academics and community service.
“He carries a 3.54 GPA and will graduate with a degree in kinesiology. He has a genuine desire to make his community a better place and consistently puts others ahead of himself while realizing the platform he has to impact those in need,” MSU Associate Director of Student-Athlete Support Services Melissa Tallant said in a statement.
The Oakland Township, Michigan native is deeply involved in his community through several roles. He serves as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative for the baseball team, volunteers for the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan and is a member of Athletes in Action on campus.
Whether he is participating in food drives in East Lansing or helping special-needs youth during Miracle League games in the summer, Anderson is making a significant impact across various groups.
If Anderson receives the most votes from the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Voting Committee, he will have the opportunity to organize an on-field ceremony—an event that not only honors him but also includes a $4,000 donation to a local family affected by ALS.
The Spartans and their captain will travel to Corpus Christi, Texas, for the Kleberg Bank College Classic. They will open the tournament Friday at 1 p.m. against Washington State, followed by a matchup with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Saturday night at 7 p.m. The team will then face UCLA on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., marking their first meeting since joining the Big Ten.
