Two Viking baseball players, Owen Anderson (left) and Travis Bradley (middle), were named to the Polar League All-Conference team and each played in the All-Star game. Right: Carrie Palmer capped a great senior year off with a selection to the Polar League All-Conference softball team and represented Cook County in the All-Star game played at Wade Stadium in Duluth.
The first ever Polar League end of season All-Star game was held on June 16 at 1 p.m. at the newly renovated Wade Stadium in Duluth, with two players from the Cook County Vikings’ baseball team taking part.
Selected All-Conference Players Owen Anderson and Travis Bradley represented Cook County on the Blue Division team coached by none other than Viking coaches Arleigh Jorgenson and Bob Baker.
“The Blue Division was made up of players from Esko, Moose Lake, Two Harbors, South Ridge, Barnum and Cook County,” said Jorgenson.
The Silver Division had players from Silver Bay, Carlton, Wrenshall, Floodwood, and McGregor. Ryan Schmidt of Carlton and his assistants coached them.
“The game was fun to watch,” said Jorgenson. “The Silver Division scored first, but then relinquished the lead to the Blue Division in the third inning. In the bottom of the sixth the Silver Division came back and took a 9-7 lead, but the Blue Division tied it to send the game into extra innings. In the eighth the Blue Division scored two runs and went on to win 11-9.
“Owen and Travis each had solid and key at-bats in the seventh and eighth innings,” said Jorgenson. “Travis pitched one strong inning for the Blue Division and Owen ended the game with his left-field catch in the eighth.”
Palmer in All-Star softball game
The celebration of Polar League baseball was followed by an All-Star softball game, which was also won by the Blue Division.
“Carrie Palmer played second base and shortstop for the Blues and represented Cook County by playing very, very well both offensively and defensively,” Jorgenson said.
Viking’s head softball coach Jessie Anderson said she couldn’t attend the All-Star game because of work, but called to say, “I am very proud of Carrie. She had a terrific senior season and ended it being selected to the all-conference team and getting to play in the All-Star game. You really couldn’t ask for more for your senior year. She’s a terrific kid and I wish her the best.”
“All told,” said Jorgenson, “as players may have approached the game with some apprehension—recognizing opponents in their own dugouts—as the games went along the enjoyment of playing together was satisfying for the players to experience as well as coaches and parents to watch.
“A big thank you goes out to Adam Johnson of Floodwood for organizing this terrific event.”
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