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Ruther Channels Master Oogway to Help No-Hit Vikings
Perham Pirates prospect Chris Ruther threw a no-hitter for the Jackets yesterday at Jake Wolford field against the Pelican Rapids Vikings. However, Ruther didn't do it alone. Instead he got a little help from an old friend.
Ruther said that before the game he called upon Master Oogway, his favorite character from the movie Kung Fu Panda, to help him achieve such a feat. As you can see from the picture, his channeling worked as he began taking on the form of the Kung Fu Master.
"I wasn't sure if my channeling efforts were going to work" said Ruther after the no-hitter. "But going into the later innings, it felt as if I wasn't the only one out there on the mound; kind of like the movie Angels in the Outfield, except this time I knew it was Master Oogway."
Although his perfect game was broken up in the 5th inning, Ruther knows that the Master was teaching him a lesson that "one can never be satisfied."
After one last home game for the Jackets, they begin their run to the playoffs, and Ruther knows that he'll be without Master Oogway the rest of the way as that is the rule for this sort of thing; no outside help of any kind.
And from the Pirates:
"The Pirates Organization would like to congratulate Mr. Ruther on his outstanding pitching performance yesterday evening. It is a remarkable feat. We are proud to call him a Perham Pirate."
Pirates' Hein Earns Weekly Award
May 17, 2012
Perham Pirate first and third baseman, Jesse Hein, earned the Minnesota State High School League AA Player of the Week Award for his outstanding games against East Grand Forks on Tuesday. In the first game of the double header against the Green Wave, Hein went 1-3 with a double that drove in 3 runs. He also added an RBI later on to give him 4-RBIs for the game.
However, he was just warming up.
In the second game of the away and away series, Hein strode up to the plate with the bases loaded again, although this time he wasn't thinking double; he wanted the Grand Salami. As he stepped into the batters box he raised his right arm and pointed to straight away center field; he was calling his shot just like the Babe. The very next pitch was thrown thigh high right down the heart of the plate and Hein connected. Halfway through his swing he flipped his bat and began walking to first base, all the while watching the ball as it sailed into the distance. Hein, just like everyone watching, knew it was gone the second it left his bat.
The baseball was still on it's way up as it crashed into a grove of trees on the other side of the fence. ESPN's Sport Science recreated the home run with their State of the Art CGI program, and predicted that the homer would have traveled 452 feet if not for the trees.
Later in the game, Hein also sent another ball over the fence, although this time there wasn't anybody on base. His solo HR was his 2nd of the game and third of the year. In fact, he's hit 3 HRs in his past 4 contests. As the final out was had, Hein ended the day going a combined 5-8 with 2 doubles, 2 HRs, 6 runs scored, and 9 RBIs.
"My bat has really come alive the past couple weeks," Hein told LLPP. "I'm seeing the ball extremely well and making great contact. We've got a nice double digit win streak going at the moment and we're looking to finish the season off strong as we push for a bid to the State Tournament."
Gabe Pankonin was third in the Player of the Week voting after posting a stat line of: 5-8, 4 runs scored, an RBI, and 2 SB. He finished behind 2nd place finisher Danny Almonte who went 2-4 from the plate with a double and 2 RBIs, as well as pitching 7 innings allowing 0 runs and striking out 19 batters.
Perham Yellow Jacket Head Coach Hans Hanson is appealing Pankonin's 3rd place honor after demanding to see Almonte's birth certificate. None has been provided as of yet.
Next up for the Jackets is a make-up DH against Staples-Motley on Saturday at 10:00 and 12:00. This is the same day as the Pirates first game.
Scrim Teams Scared of Jolly Rogers
May 11, 2012
This article is written for comedic purposes and is not 100% truth, nor should it be taken as the word of GodFor the second scrimmage in a row the team the Perham Pirates have supposed to face has backed out. Early in the week, player-manager David Krueger received word that the Huntersville Horseflies would be dropping the Pirates from their Spring Training schedule in order to play the New York Mills Millers. Today, Coach K heard that Staples would also be dropping Perham from their schedule as well. "I find it very disappointing and a little chicken shit," said first year manager Krueger. "So we don't get to hold any spring training games because teams are afraid to face us? Bullshit. We signed up for them, was agreed upon by both parties, and then they drop this turd." The Pirates have been awaiting these two games to showcase what they have been working on. Instead, they now must try to gather enough bodies for a scrimmage on Saturday afternoon. Coach K is hoping to have 13+ players there, so they can field at least 9 defenders while having 4 batters. They would would take the at bats and turn it into a game situation. Baserunners, pickoff attempts, etc. They are proposing at 1:00 start on Saturday, but it all depends on when people could make the games. No more scrimmages/Spring training games will be played by the Pirates, and they will be refunding all the purchased tickets, as well as buying each returned ticket one hotdog to their next game. All in all, the Pirates returned 0 tickets to 0 people, and will buy those people 0 hot dogs for the next game. Until next time Pirate fans...
Pirates 1 Week Away From First Action
Pirates fans are eagerly awaiting their club's first contest, despite the fact that it's only a scrimmage. The new look new attitude Pirates have made the community charged up about this season, ranging from the old timers, all the way down the tiny tots. They will be flocking from all over to catch a glimpse of this team to see if they have what it takes to get back to the winning tradition of the Pirates of old.
Even though the first regular season game doesn't start until May 19 against Frazee, everyone associated with the team says the season starts on May 11, the first game of Spring Training. They will be approaching these games just like they would a regular season/postseason game. Although there will be many positional switches throughout the game, the coaches expect the players to make the plays, regardless of where they are at.
"We need to have guys that can play multiple positions, and play those positions well." Player-Manager David Krueger said. "We need to have a little flexibility in our lineup in case of unforeseen circumstances such as an injury or a family emergency. We don't want our players tied down into only 1 position."
It has been confirmed, barring any unforeseen circumstances, that LHP Taylor Doll will be on the mound to start the game. Doll has been working with the Jamestown Jimmies this spring, and has gotten in a few inning of relief duty work already. The southpaw will be arriving to Spring Training this evening and is ready to join up with the squad.
"I'm excited to get out there and play." Doll told LLPP. "Got a new look this year and I'm excited to start the Pirate season off. I can't wait."
Since he was used primarily as a relief pitcher, Krueger, and other player-manager Jonnie Schmitz, will be limiting his pitch count earlier in the season while he makes the transition to starter. Once his arm is strong enough to last the 6-7-8 innings, they expect him to be one of the better pitchers in the Hi-10.
The Pirates will be taking the field shortly, in about a week. It will probably end up being the longest week of our lives. GO PIRATES!!
Less Than 3 Weeks Away From Pirates First Action
It has been a very long Spring Training season for the Perham Pirates, one that has lasted for nearly 2 months. Although they have only practiced once or twice a week, players are getting the itch to play some live baseball.
"You can just tell they are ready to pull the trigger and get this season started," player-manager David Krueger told LLPP.com. "More and more guys are showing up to practices and been practicing close to 100% intensity. I'm still trying to hold back on the reins,as we still have about 3 weeks before our first live action, but I don't think I'll be able to hold back that long."
The first of two Pirates Spring Training games will take place on Friday, May 11 at 7:00 in New York Mills. They will take on the Huntersville Horseflies. The next evening, the 12th of May, they will play host to Staples-Motley. First pitch will be around 7:00. Coach Krueger discussed the idea of playing games back-to-back in Spring Training.
"I wanted to get our players used to playing on back-to-back days, just like it is many times in the regular season. I took that into account when scheduled these two scrimmages."
Pirate fans have been emailing LLPP the last couple of weeks with a potential lineups for the scrims, and after compiling the information we received from our scouts and in talking to the players and coaching staff, we see this being a good line-up chance for the scrims.
Pitcher - Taylor Doll
Catcher - Brad Ellingson
1st Base - Beau Bruhn
2nd Base - Justin Berns
3rd Base - Jake Kalina
Short Stop - Tyler Doll
Left Field - Jonnie Schmitz
Center Field - Taylor Ziemann
Right Field - Sam Meyer
Many of the Pirates players will still either be in College or in the middle of another season. The likes of Jesse Hein, Gabe Pankonin, Dylan Ellingson, Chris Ruther and Jack Stigman are right in the middle of High School baseball and will probably not see any action as the coaching staff doesn't want to see them get hurt in just a Spring Training Scrimmage.
Although the Pirates won't be going into the scrimmages with their strongest line-up, there will still be no excuses for a poor performance.
"We expect that everybody who takes the field will play perfect in all aspects of the game," player-manager Jonnie Schmitz said. "I know that mistakes will be made, but we are going to treat the mistakes the same way we would a regular season or playoff game. We will strive to be perfect every time."
In just under three short weeks the Pirates season will begin. We here at LLPP are excited for opening day, and we hope you are too. Hope to see you at the ballpark!
Pirates Pull Out of Oswalt Race After Signing 2 More Free Agents
The Pirates officially pulled out of the Roy Oswalt sweepstakes today, many sources say the St. Louis Cardinals are expected to sign him later this week.
The Pirates listed Oswalt as their top target but the contract talks between the two went sour from day 1. When Oswalt's agent started to talk money, the Perham Pirates put their top offer on the table. The Pirates handed over a free Pirates baseball hat along with a free car wash token, Oswalt and his agent left immediately and the contract talks never picked up again.
In the midst of failing to sign their top target, 2 free agent's announced their decision live on NBC's "The Voice."
Jesse Hein - Hein is a senior at PHS. Jesse provides the Pirates with a much needed home run threat. ESPN projects Jesse to hit 7 home runs this season, 3 of them coming at home off the scoreboard. Hein also plays a solid 1st and 3rd base and will be able to log some innings after the legion season is over. Hein also competes in Indian Leg wrestling and is currently ranked 3rd in the Midwest League.
Gabe Pankonin - Gabe is also a senior at PHS. Gabe is a terrific defensive catcher with a big time arm behind the plate. Gabe can also play infield or outfield and is a huge threat on the base-paths. Gabe hits from both sides of the plate, from the right side he shows good power and squares the ball up nicely. From the left side he handles the bat well and goes well with the pitch. Gabe has also been dabbling in yo-yo competitions for 2 years and even though he isn't on the pro circuit yet Yahoo! named him as one of the 20 "Yo-Yo Masters on the Rise" in 2012.
Pirates Pitch New Grandstands to Free Agents, Sign 5 New Players
April 11, 2012
The Pirates have had the Hi-10 buzzing over their Free Agent spree. The Pirates have had a reputation of keeping their roster the same and not going after any big name free agents in the past years. 2012 seems to be a different year as members of the Pirates have been pitching their new grandstand to prospective free agents resulting in numerous signings. The Pirates signed David Altstadt, Des Duffy, and Mac Link to start their spring.
David Altsadt is a Pitcher a utility infielder/outfielder. David brings a consistent bat and solid defense as well as the ability to pitch deep into games and throw strikes. David is also a threat to steal bases and steal young girl's hearts.
Mac Link is an outfielder with good speed and a quick bat. Mac brings the ability to steal bases and play any of the outfield positions. Mac also brings a solid beard growing ability to the Pirates, which will come in handy during a playoff run.
Des Duffy is an outfielder and a novelty left handed catcher. Pirates head scout Tyler Doll claims Des is the fastest guy in the hi-10. Des can cover ground in the outfield and create havoc on the base paths. Des bats from the left side and does a great job going with the pitch. Des will be in California attempting to be a professional surfer and will miss the first 2 games of the Pirates season.
Although many Hi-10 fans thought the Pirates were done, they went out and signed 2 more players.
Chris Ruther plays numerous positions and harnesses occasional pop in his bat. Chris is a senior on Perham's high school team and will be playing and pitching for the Perham Buzz. Although the Pirates won't be able to use Chris as a pitcher, they will be sure to find a spot for him throughout the season. Little known fact, Chris Ruther was the 2008 World Pog champion.
Jon Langlie feels at home around the first base area as well as in the bullpen catching. Jon is a big lefty who has power to each part of the field and also has a very good glove at first base. Langlie kicked 5th in the order for Team USA in the 2009 Kickball open.
The Pirates are expected to announce 2 more free agent signings later this afternoon.
Perham Baseball
The following teams call beautiful Al Krueger Field in Perham, MN home each sun-filled summer in Lakes Country:
PERHAM PIRATES (Men's Amateur: HI-10 League)
PERHAM YELLOWJACKETS (High School)
PERHAM BUZZ (American Legion Post 61)
PERHAM STINGERS (VFW Post 4020)
Upcoming Games
| Friday, Jun 1 | | Perham Pirates @ Fergus Falls Hurricanes | 7:30pm | Fergus Falls | | Saturday, Jun 2 | | Perham Pirates @ Pelican Rapids Lakers | 5:30pm | Pelican Rapids | | Wednesday, Jun 6 | | Bluffton Braves @ Perham Pirates | 7:30pm | Perham | | Friday, Jun 8 | | Perham Pirates @ Jamestown Elks | 6:30pm | Detroit Lakes | | Saturday, Jun 9 | | Perham Pirates @ POSITION/TBD | 12:00am | Detroit Lakes | | Sunday, Jun 10 | | Perham Pirates @ POSITION/TBD | 12:00am | Detroit Lakes | | Wednesday, Jun 13 | | Perham Pirates @ Henning Giants | 7:30pm | Henning | |
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For a complete schedule listing, click here!
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