One of LV’s best will stay

Bob Cloud

Tuesday, May 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Curt Anthony of Bishop Gorman will continue his baseball career next season as a UNLV Rebel.

Anthony, the 1996 Southern AAA Most Valuable Player, signed a letter of intent with UNLV Monday. A shortstop at Gorman, he also considered Nevada-Reno and Washington before coming down on the Rebels' side.

"Staying in town had a lot to do with it," Anthony said. "You couldn't beat what they were offering -- the chance to stay at home and the chance to play. We've played zone there (at UNLV's Wilson Stadium) the past four years, plus (American) Legion games, so it's like a second home to me."

Anthony enjoyed a stellar senior season for the Gaels in '96, batting .555 with 7 home runs and 50 RBIs in 35 games. He posted a .954 fielding percentage, committing just 6 errors in 130 chances.

UNLV coach Fred Dallimore said Monday he was thrilled with Anthony's decision to join his program.

"Based on what he accomplished in high school, he should be able to carry that over to our program," Dallimore said. "I've been good friends with his family for 30 years. I held him as a baby, and I've watched him grow up. We're excited to have him."

In addition to Anthony, Dallimore announced the signing of three other local prep players, including Andy McCulloch, a pitcher/shortstop from Western; outfielder Ryan Ludwick of Durango, and pitcher Toby Harris of Bonanza.

"We need some young players from town to step in for us and keep Rebel baseball up where it belongs," said Dallimore.

Anthony may be the best of the group.

"He's a tremendous leader, and, even outside of his talents, he'll be tough to replace," Gorman assistant coach Glen Evans said. "We'll be very lucky if we ever find another one like Curt.

"He's exceptionally talented defensively, but he's also like having a coach on the field. We don't know how to teach playing shortstop, because we've always had him."

Anthony grew up around baseball, as his father, Tex, served as head coach at Rancho, Valley and Bonanza high schools. Tex Anthony led Rancho teams to two state championships, and tutored future major league stars Marty Barrett and Mike Morgan.

"It's always been there," Curt Anthony said. "I've always had the opportunity to be around baseball, but it's been my choice. No one has ever forced me to do it. I've just played because I've always liked it."

Gorman finished the past season 30-5, placing third in last week's zone tournament. Winning the zone player of the year award was just icing on the cake for Anthony, who credited Gaels assistant coach John Booher for helping develop his defensive prowess.

"It was a real surprise," he said. "I just wanted the team to win. That's all I ever worried about."

Anthony said he looks forward to the challenge of stepping up to the next level of competition.

"It's a very similar situation to when I came here to Gorman," he said. "I played on a team which went to the zone tournament for the first time, and we've been successful since. I'm looking to try and do that at UNLV."

Evans said he didn't think Anthony could have found a better situation than UNLV.

"They play freshmen," Evans said. "I think it's an excellent opportunity for Curt to go to a top-notch program that'll give him the chance to play."