Baseball practice begins

Jacob Dorr (in blue) gets set to throw the ball to Isaac Sandstrom as head coach Arleigh Jorgenson explains the drill. The kids were learning to use their forehand and backhand gloves without moving their feet in this exercise. Staff photo Brian Larsen

The ping of metal bats hitting baseballs and the sound of baseballs smacking leather gloves filled the Cook County High School gym last Monday, March 21.

Viking Head Baseball Coach Arleigh Jorgenson welcomed 24 kids to spring baseball practice, and like normal, practice is starting out in the Pam Taylor gymnasium.

With a big snowstorm predicted later in the week, the kids might be working out inside for some time to come.

In his 23rd year as head coach, Arleigh Jorgenson took some time to talk to the Cook County News-Herald.

Coach, who will pitch for the Vikings this year?

“Who will pitch? Good question. Players are gearing up and some potential pitchers will get there, and some will not be ready. Jacob Dorr has the inside track to be our ace. He is experienced and has pitched very well under pressure. I also expect a really good year on the mound from Paul Dorr. He was pitching very well at the end of last season. Isaac Sandstrom threw very well in spots last season and is throwing very well in the gym. I expect these three to locate the ball well because they did it last year. Kole Anderson is an outstanding catcher, but he can pitch as well. His velocity is probably the highest on the team. If he can keep it in the strike zone, and it looks to me that he will be able to, we will have another weapon to add to the mix. Hunter Gomez has matured a lot physically. He is a strike thrower and is looking very good. Cy Oberholtzer is a pitcher on the way. He is long and tall with lots of leverage. His mechanics are difficult with all that length to control, but he is working. The ball jumps out of his hand. He will have opportunities. Amos Falter will be our centerfielder, but like Cy, he is a pitcher on the way, a natural. Hunter Rex, Benelli Myers, Ethan Tate, and Jake Mixdorf are pitchers who will emerge. When is the question, I like what I am seeing. We have the potential to be pretty deep on the mound.”

When asked about last season, Jorgenson responded, “Our record last year was 6-12. I was surprised to look back and see that it was that bad. I think it is because we improved considerably through the season, and were knocked out of moving on to the section quarterfinals in a game that we really should have won against Chisholm. We were better at the end of the season than our record shows.”

Have team captains been selected for the 2022 squad?

“As far as captains go, the read I have on this team is that we have an entire team of leaders. This group is very together and very dedicated. I am somewhat concerned that we will lose some of this cohesiveness through spring break absences. But, we will practice every day through the break, and those players who are here will have the opportunity to move up the ladder. I wish we could take the whole team to Florida. We would be a tight unit when we returned. I think the assumption is that our season will start late due to all the snow. Our field is clear except for the outer outfield. I do not expect a delay.”

When is your first game?

“Our first game is coming up quickly. We are going south to Moose Lake on April 12 and to Esko on the 14th. Our home opener is against Two Harbors on April 19. I am expecting that we will be playing all of those games. We could have weather setbacks, but if not, I think our fields will be ready.”

Who are the assistant coaches?

“I enjoy working with my fellow coaches in all sports and teachers in the building. Assisting me this year are Andy Feddema and Jorge Gomez. And, my good friend Tim Miller has agreed to provide scoring and communications through Gamechanger. He is also a great influence in the dugout, not only for the players, but also for me.”

How does the upcoming season look?

“We are expecting a good and competitive year. We lost Tate Crawford, Patrick Pierre, DJ Seidel, and Riley Tarver through graduation, but we have five returning starters, and should have a fairly deep bench.”

You’ve been coaching a long time. What keeps you motivated?

“This is my 23rd year coaching high school baseball, yes, but this team is their team, not mine. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue. I love working with every new crop of Cook County boys. We produce some really fine young men up here, and it is a privilege to be a part of these few years of their lives.”