Special to the American Press

For the first time, McNeese State will be represented in the World Series when the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Texas Rangers.

Two former Cowboys — one on each team — will play, Jace Peterson for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Grant Anderson for the Texas Rangers.

The best-of-seven series begins tonight in Arlington, Texas.

“How awesome is that?” said McNeese head coach Justin Hill, who coached Anderson from 2016-18. “They have both done it the hard way — going through all levels of the minor leagues and fighting through injuries and other challenges to help contribute to wins with the big league club.

“One interesting similarity they share is that both organizations traded for them at different points in their career. They saw something special in them as players and they have both added great value to the the organization and their current team.”

Peterson, a 2018 McNeese Sports Hall of Fame inductee and two-time all-Southland Conference selection during his playing days at McNeese from 2009-11, was acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Oakland Athletics at the end of July, going from one of the league’s worst teams to the World Series. A 10-year veteran, Peterson appeared in 134 games this season, 93 with the A’s and 41 with the Diamondbacks.

A Lake Charles native was the 58th overall pick of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft by the San Diego Padres, Peterson has played with seven teams, making his debut in 2014 with the Padres.

Anderson was a 21st-round pick in the 2018 draft by the Seattle Mariners and was traded to the Texas Rangers’ organization in 2019. He made his debut on May 30 and recorded a win over Detroit after throwing 22/3 scoreless innings while striking out seven of the eight batters faced.

For the year, he’s thrown 352/3 innings in 26 games with a 2-1 mark.

“Being a part of a great team is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have,” Hill said. “This is a special moment in their lives and career, and I am so happy for them and their families.”

Zac Gallen starts the opener for Arizona and Nathan Eovaldi will be on the mound for Texas.