FORT MYERS, FLA. - Anthony Banda's journey to becoming a key figure in the Twins bullpen is a story of resilience and transformation. Before helping the Los Angeles Dodgers secure two World Series titles, Banda faced a crossroads that nearly led him to hang up his cleats for good.
The 2023 season was a tough one for Banda. A brief stint in the majors with the Washington Nationals was followed by struggles in Class AAA. But it wasn't just the on-field challenges that weighed on him-it was the solitude of hotel rooms and heart-wrenching calls from family that nearly drove him away from the game.
The most devastating blow came with the tragic loss of his younger brother, Matthew, on Nov. 2, 2022. Matthew, a 27-year-old Navy veteran, was killed by a wrong-way, intoxicated driver in Corpus Christi, Texas.
“You could just feel it, something is missing, somebody is missing,” Banda shared, reflecting on the void that remains.
Initially, Banda hoped that diving into baseball would be a balm for his grief. But as his brother’s birthday and the family’s subdued Christmas approached, the pain lingered.
When asked by high school students about his future in the game, Banda was uncertain. “I’ve had a great career,” he told them.
“It wasn’t the most spectacular shining star, but I’m proud of it.”
Yet, working with those high schoolers sparked something in him. Keeping his arm active through casual catch sessions and drills, Banda felt the itch to play return. This led him to connect with Tread Athletics in North Carolina for remote training and eventually showcase his skills to scouts, earning a minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians.
“Those kids, they saved me in a way where it’s like you can find joy in things again,” Banda said, reflecting on his evolution from a quiet, self-focused player to someone who values connections with fans, team staff, and media alike.
“Life hadn’t kicked me down yet,” Banda admitted. “Now, I understand.
I think this is the most peaceful I’ve been with myself, around the game and around guys. That’s what matters.
Baseball will handle itself. Being a good person and showing up for others, that’s rewarding.
The world needs a little bit more love.”