Anthony Banda Bio
Frank Anthony Banda is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for San Jacinto College. The Milwaukee Brewers selected Banda in the tenth round of the 2012 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 and has also played for the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals. Banda has achieved notable success in his career, including being a two-time World Series champion in 2024 and 2025.
Early Life and Background
Frank Anthony Banda was born on August 10, 1993, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to parents Frank and Danette Banda. He has four siblings, which contributed to a supportive family environment during his formative years. Banda attended Sinton High School in Sinton, Texas, where he played for the school’s baseball team. His early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future career in professional baseball.
Path to Baseball
After high school, Banda continued his education and baseball career at San Jacinto College. During his time there, he achieved a 7–1 record with a 2.01 earned run average (ERA) and 73 strikeouts, earning National Junior College Athletic Association third-team All-American honors. His impressive performance caught the attention of Major League scouts, leading to his selection by the Milwaukee Brewers in the tenth round of the 2012 MLB draft.
Anthony Banda Career
Early Career (2012–2016)
Banda began his professional career with the Arizona League Brewers in 2012, where he recorded a 2–3 record with a 5.83 ERA in 41+2⁄3 innings pitched. In 2013, he played for the Helena Brewers, finishing with a 3–4 record and a 4.45 ERA. The following years saw him progress through the Brewers’ minor league system, culminating in a trade to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014. Banda’s time with the Diamondbacks included a standout season in 2015, where he led the league with 152 strikeouts and was recognized as a MiLB.com Organization All-Star.
Breakthrough (2017–2020)
Banda made his major league debut on July 22, 2017, with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his debut game against the Washington Nationals, he struck out the first batter he faced but ultimately took the loss. Despite a challenging start, he finished the season with a 2–3 record and a 5.96 ERA. In 2018, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, where he faced setbacks due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament that required Tommy John surgery, limiting his appearances.
Notable Works and Milestones
Banda’s career took a significant turn when he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. He played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ success, contributing to their World Series victories in both 2024 and 2025. His performance in the postseason solidified his status as a key player for the team.
Anthony Banda Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Anthony Banda has received recognition for his contributions to the sport, including being part of two World Series championship teams.
Anthony Banda Awards Won
Banda is a two-time World Series champion, having won titles in 2024 and 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Anthony Banda Family
Frank Anthony Banda is a father to a son, born in December 2018. He has a close-knit family that has supported him throughout his career.
Personal Life
Banda’s personal life has seen its share of challenges. Tragically, on November 2, 2022, his brother, Mathew Banda, a Navy veteran, was killed in an accident involving an intoxicated driver. This event has had a profound impact on Banda and his family.
