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Longtime Pipestone A’s player Avery Ploeger will take over as the club’s manager, as was reported on the team’s Facebook page earlier in March.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity,” said Ploeger, who has primarily been a pitcher for the A’s. “It’s a team I’ve loved playing for, and I think we’re going in the right direction.”
Ploeger said this will mark his 11th year with the A’s program.
Pipestone A’s pitcher Avery Ploeger deals toward home during a 2020 season game. Ploeger was recently named manager for the A’s summar amateur baseball club, taking over for Jordan Karels. (File photo by Kevin Kyle)
“He (Avery) loves baseball, and I think he will do a good job with the A’s,” said Rick Zollner, his former coach with Pipestone Area Schools. “He comes from a good baseball family.”
Brothers Garrett Ploeger and Luke Ploeger were both Arrows. Garrett was a trusted offensive player, batting in the No. 5 hole. Both of them were outfielders. Avery was a “jack of all trades” type player for PAS, including playing second base.
Avery Ploeger said it was his father, Tom, who gave him the love of the sport. Tom Ploeger, who played at St. John’s University in Collegeville, coached his son in youth baseball.
Previous A’s manager Jordan Karels will continue working for the team in general day-to-day operations, responsible for functions such as inventory, sponsorships and running the Pepsi Tournament (June 7-9). The season-opener game is at Minneota on May 4, with the first pitch set for 2 p.m. The complete schedule ran in the March 21 edition of The Star.
Karels is pleased to see Ploeger take on the role of manager.
“He’s been with the team for many years,” Karels said. “He has a good baseball mind, and cares for the players and team. I think he has a good vision for what he wants and where he wants the team to be.”
The A’s are coming off a 4-15 season, eliminated by Jackson in the Region 13C First Nite/Gopher League tournament on July 21, 2023. Players Brandan Alfson and Greg Quist were then drafted to Jackson and Hadley during last year’s tournament.
“I think we will have a pretty solid team,” said Karels, seeing the glass half full.
The A’s are expected to have plenty of new talent since the Ruthton Royals have reportedly ceased operations for 2024.
James Zollner, Rick’s son, Walker Kor and Chris Dougherty are former Royals who have committed to joining the A’s. Zollner is expected to play an outfield spot, with Kor infield and Dougherty a third baseman/pitcher combination.
Ploeger said he enjoys being a part of amateur baseball in Minnesota, which has the most participation of any state in this unique style.
“It’s competitive,” Ploeger said, “and I like that a lot. We’re able to compete in front of our hometown.”
There are clubs in surrounding towns such as Milroy, Luverne, Marshall, Windom and Hadley, the last whose mascot is affectionately known as the Buttermakers for a creamery once located there.
Ploeger said he learned a lot from playing for Zollner, including how to organize practices and that communication is the key.
At PAS, Ploeger played primarily outfield while he was a forward for Arrow basketball and wide receiver in football.
So, while A’s fans won’t see Ploeger’s customary splitter leaving his right hand this summer. They’ll watch a manager enjoying his first season in a new capacity.
Ploeger is married to wife, Nikki, and the couple has a three-year-old daughter, Paislee. He works as farm manager for Johnson Farms, a 10,000-plus hog operation south of Pipestone.
Avery Ploeger (right) is shown with his wife, Nikki, and daughter Paislee. (Contributed photo from Ploeger Facebook)
Diamond notes
There is no admission charge to games played in Westview Park, Karels reported. A full concession stand operates with baseball fan favorites hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwurst served.
Ploeger said the team is still working on finalizing the roster.
Games are played using Major League Baseball’s rules, except there is no pitch clock. Games are typically nine innings, unless a doubleheader has been scheduled.
The Star will run a brief on this June’s Fourth Annual Pepsi Tournament in a future edition.
