Shaun Sanderson served in utility role for Salt Lake City; Played two seasons

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Shaun Sanderson 1990 Erie Sailors card

Shaun Sanderson joined the Salt Lake Trappers in 1989 with the expectation he'd play multiple positions, The Salt Lake Tribune wrote.

Sanderson had played shortstop in college, filled in at catcher and even in relief, The Tribune wrote.

"Once you get the signals down, it's no big deal," Sanderson told The Tribune. "You just have to get a feel for the position and make some plays."

Sanderson joined independent Salt Lake in his first season as a pro. He saw just one more. He topped out at short-season.

Sanderson's career began that year in 1989, signed by Salt Lake out of Bradley University.

In high school, Sanderson hit a three-run home run to lead his Shephard High team to a regional win, The Southtown Star wrote. 

"I was just swinging with the pitch. Trying to make contact," Sanderson told The Star. "But, I knew it was out as soon as I hit it."

Sanderson moved on to Bradley, where he got off to a strong start. He hit .276 in his freshman year, hit 11 extra base hits and provided good defense, The Star wrote in June 1987.

"We were better defensively, especially on the left side," Bradley coach Dewey Kalmer told The Star. "Sanderson and (teammate Tim) Foley were over there and both are good athletes with experience."

With Salt Lake in 1989, Sanderson saw 28 games and hit .342. He also hit two home runs. In the field, he played third base, short, catcher and outfield.

He moved to co-op short-season Erie for 1990. He saw 25 games there, played second, third and catcher, and hit .128. That season marked his last as a pro.

Sanderson appears to have soon returned home. In April 1998, The Star identified a Shaun Sanderson working as a part-time instructor with the White Sox and with the local Worth parks department as a T-ball instructor. 

Shaun Sanderson 1990 Erie Sailors card

1990 Minor League Tally 
Players/Coaches Featured:4,239
Made the Majors:1,385-32.7%
Never Made Majors:2,854-67.3%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors:562
10+ Seasons in the Minors:345

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