Playing for the Trois-Rivières Aigles, Quebecer Louis-Philippe Pelletier dominates the Frontier Baseball League this season, having presented a brilliant batting average of .390 after his first 34 games. On his own, he is worth the detour to Mauricie for anyone who would like to observe a player who, offensively, does not seem very far from the caliber of a major baseball hitter.
“If I got an offer from an organization to go to the AA or AAA, I would take the opportunity with my eyes closed, but currently, I am focusing on my season with the Eagles,” said Pelletier, during an interview with The newspaper.
Louis-Philippe Pelletier
Photo provided by the Trois-Rivières Eagles
Aged 28, Pelletier believes he would indeed have the talent to perform at a higher level, but he no longer loses sleep dreaming of attracting the attention of recruiters. Having played well at an Arizona Diamondbacks camp two years ago, the Quebecer also attracted the interest of the Philadelphia Phillies, but the project failed.
“Because of my height, the fact that I’m a vaulter doesn’t help me,” said Pelletier, a 5-foot-10 athlete, frankly.
Happy for his friend Abraham
Earlier this month, from June 9 to 16, Pelletier had a brilliant seven-game streak with two or more hits. His batting average, as of Sunday, June 30, is now .360.
The Quebecer explains his success in particular by the work done, physically and mentally, during the off season.
Pelletier trained with his usual partners, including his good friend Abraham Toro, who is having an excellent season with the Oakland Athletics.
“What I admire most about Abraham is that he has always been convinced, in his head, that he is a major league baseball player,” commented Pelletier. “He worked really hard this winter, and I’m happy to see him back at the top. It’s great to see! All the credit goes to him!”
A new chance
It would be wrong to think that Pelletier doesn’t sometimes wonder why he doesn’t get an opportunity for the “show” himself. That being said, he is especially happy for his good old teammate. No room for jealousy!
“Without taking anything away from them, there are still other players who have had opportunities in recent years, compared to whom I believe I am just as good, if not better,” said the Eagles’ number 30.
Pelletier himself was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2016, but after a season in the rookie league, the Quebecer chose to return home for family reasons. He has never regretted this decision, which was in line with his values. However, the athlete thinks he now deserves another chance.
If the path to major baseball does not open, Pelletier admits to studying different options. He was also drafted last year by the Dubai Wolves in a new professional baseball league which could finally see the light of day in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.
A concussion later
Louis-Philippe Pelletier came back strong in 2024, after a recent season marked by appendicitis and above all… a concussion.
It was August 13, 2023, at Stade Canac, in Quebec. Pelletier was then hit by a fastball to the head by Capital reliever Frank Moscatiello. The player from the Aigles de Trois-Rivières, who had placed himself in position to drop a shot at the start of the 10e inning, would then miss the remainder of the season. The situation made him think.
“My goal is to stay healthy and have fun on the field,” said Pelletier. I had a bad time this winter, I found it difficult to think about my post-career. At 28, I’m still young, but I still worry about it sometimes. I wonder what I’m going to do after baseball.”
Living in the present
The Quebecer acknowledges having consulted psychologists, but also some former athletes who have already gone through such questions.
“I’m trying to change my mentality a little bit and be more in the present,” Pelletier said. “I’m less anxious about what’s in store for me in the future. For me, baseball has to be more of a game than a job.”
Louis-Philippe Pelletier plays as a defensive outfielder.
Photo provided by the Trois-Rivières Eagles
The Quebecer insists on the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health.
“To be honest, I haven’t changed much [dans mon entraînement hivernal], but I focused a little more on flexibility exercises, revealed Pelletier, who notably practiced yoga. I feel in good shape, more than last year, when I had a few little aches and pains.”
Devoted to the Eagles
For those who would like to see Pelletier at work in the Aigles uniform, the Trois-Rivières club will be back at home next weekend, while the Quebec Capitales will be the visitors, from Friday to Sunday .
“I have a great feeling of belonging to the Eagles,” concluded the Quebecer. They have confidence in me and I would definitely like to win a championship in Trois-Rivières before retiring.”
