Matt Bracker always wanted to pitch, so Dell Dooley handed him the ball.

Sunday, July 01, 2001

Matt Bracker always wanted to pitch, so Dell Dooley handed him the ball.

The coach also fulfilled the request of Isaac Walton and Alan Attig, placing them at shortstop and center field, respectively. Jay Link played third base. Adam Hamberg took the day off.

All of the Albert Lea American Legion baseball players were in unfamiliar roles, but it didn’t matter. This year’s Pedro Peterson Memorial Tournament is again an exhibition-only event for the locals, and Friday’s opening-round 5-4 loss to Lonsdale won’t go in the books.

&uot;We’re just having a fun weekend playing baseball,&uot; said Dooley. &uot;Basically, we’ll have two or three starters in every game and just ask where they want to play. We’re using a lot of guys who don’t usually get a lot of playing time.&uot;

Bracker pitched surprisingly well, according to Dooley. Scott Hoeg also saw his first action on the mound. Adam Lares and Jordan Stadheim were among those with hits for Albert Lea.

The tournament concludes today.

Post 56 travels to Austin Monday for a 6:30 game.