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 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 Aigles of Trois-Rivières
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 done well at an Arizona Diamondbacks camp two years ago, the Quebecer also attracted interest from the Philadelphia Phillies, but the project failed.
“Because of my height, the fact that I’m an outfielder doesn’t help me,” said Pelletier, a 5’10” athlete, frankly.
Happy for his friend Abraham
Earlier this month, from June 9 to 16, Pelletier had a brilliant streak of seven games with two or more hits. 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 hard this winter, and I’m happy with his return to the top. That’s nice to look at! 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 says 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, who I believe to be as good, if not better than them,” says number 30 of the Eagles.
Pelletier himself was drafted by the Houston Astros in 2016, but after a season in the rookie league, the Quebecer chose to come home for family reasons. He never regretted this decision, which was in line with his values. On the other hand, the athlete thinks he deserves another chance now.
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 Aigles de Trois-Rivières player, who had placed himself in position to make a drop at the start of the 10th round, would then miss the rest 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.”
Live in the present
The Quebecer admits to having consulted psychologists, but also some former athletes who have already gone through such questions.
“I’m trying to change my mentality a little and be more in the present,” says Pelletier. I have less anxiety thinking about what awaits me in the future. For me, baseball should be more of a game than a job.”
Louis-Philippe Pelletier plays as a defensive outfielder.
Photo provided by the Aigles of Trois-Rivières
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.”
Dedicated to the Eagles
For those who would like to see Pelletier at work in the Aigles uniform, the Trois-Rivières club has a six-game home stay on the calendar between now and Thursday while the Ottawa Titans and the Valley-Cats from Tri-City are visitors in turn.
“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.”
