Anthony Bender was drafted in the 20th round by the Kansas City Royals in the 2016 MLB draft out of Santa Rosa Junior College. Bender’s career has been an interesting journey with being released by Kansas City, a stint in Independent ball, enduring a minor league hiatus due to COVID-19, and then a "rocketesque" ascent to the majors via the Brewers AAA affiliate.
The culmination of this journey was an off-season signing by the Marlins with an invite to spring training. Bender took care of the rest from there by not allowing a run in spring training. His spring performance got the attention of Marlins manager Don Mattingly. Upon Bender's demotion, Mattingly stated in an interview that Bender would be back at the major league level in the near future.
Bender attended Santa Rosa from 2014-2016. Concluding his career at SRJC with a CCCAA State Championship in 2016. Bender is a local product from Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California.