Family provides special respite for Anderson

CHICAGO -- Tim Anderson has a good life.
The White Sox shortstop, playing in his third big league season, is quickly moving toward the first 20-homer, 20-stolen-base effort of his career. The gregarious and energetic 25-year-old is one of the young talents sitting at the center of the franchise's rebuild, and he is working under a six-year, $25 million contract, with a combined $26.5 million in club options for 2023 and '24.
"I have a good heart, and I like to make people laugh," Anderson said. "I like to make people happy."
Anderson also has a great life off the field with his wife, Bria, and daughter, Peyton. It's a special connection transcending the everyday ups and downs of baseball.
"I leave everything at the field and come home and be with my family," Anderson said. "It keeps me in a happy place and gets my mind off of baseball when it's going tough.
"It's a beautiful feeling waking up every morning and seeing my daughter. She makes me become a better person. I keep her with me every moment and give her the love and the support and show her the world."
During a recent four-game series against the Angels in Anaheim, the Andersons made a special afternoon trip to Disneyland. It meant a great deal for Anderson to see his daughter's enjoyment, but the outing also marked the first time Anderson was able to experience Disney.
"I'm cherishing those moments with her," Anderson said. "Do fun things and do what kids like to do, keep her smiling and keep her happy."
"He's always been the sweetest guy, but it's something totally different seeing a guy with his daughter, seeing them love on each other and bond with each other," Bria Anderson said. "You can really see their bond is much different than the bond I have with her. She has a special love for her dad. He's her first love."
Life wasn't as great for the Andersons during the 2017 season. Branden Moss, who was one of Anderson's closest friends, was tragically killed in an act of gun violence last May. During Players' Weekend that season, Anderson wore "B Moss" on the back of his jersey.
Bria and Tim, in conjunction with the White Sox, also developed Anderson's League of Leaders foundation. It's aimed at giving back to at-risk kids, with the memory of Moss driving these good deeds and exceptional work.
"We like to put smiles on people's faces, but he's the one that drives us," said Anderson, referring to Moss' memory. "It's all for him and I know he would want it this way. It's going good so far. It's going to be great."
Things only figure to get better.
"He's one of the most genuine people I know," said Bria of her husband. "He's got such a loving and giving heart. He's so passionate and compassionate."