Peterson Becomes Second Captain Picked up in Offseason

Published on December 13, 2010 under American Association (AA)
Shreveport-Bossier Captains News Release


SHREVEPORT, La. - The Shreveport-Bossier Captains championship team has lost another member, as catcher Brian Peterson was picked up by the Kansas City Royals organization. The 32-year-old backstop earns another shot at affiliated baseball and will head to Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz., in February.

Peterson was instrumental in the 2010 championship both with his bat and behind the plate. He hit the sixth-inning home run that opened the scoring in the final 4-0 victory over Sioux Falls that clinched the title, while batting .400 with four RBIs and that homer in eight playoff games.

He also helped the Captains pitch to a 3.13 ERA in the postseason, including allowing only two total runs in the three Championship Series games against the high-powered Pheasants offense that hit .312 and averaged nearly seven runs per game during the regular season.

During the regular season, Peterson hit .277 with three home runs and 36 RBIs, but remarkably played in 89 of the Captains' 95 games and still played excellent defense. He led all American Association catchers with 64 assists and was second with 27 runners caught stealing. He also was involved in a league-high (for catchers) seven double plays and often ended opponents' rallies with pickoffs of his own on the bases.

"We could not have won the championship without him," Captains manager Ricky VanAsselberg said of Peterson. "He did everything I asked of him and more and was a great leader for our club on and off the field."

Originally signed out of college by Cleveland, Peterson has played for 17 teams in his 11-year minor league career, reaching triple-A three different times. He has spent time in the Indians, Reds, Tigers, Astros, Pirates, Orioles and Yankee systems, as well as a short stint in Bridgeport of the Atlantic League.

Like former teammate Chris Garcia, who was signed by the Braves in October, Peterson's American Association rights revert to the Captains if he does not make a Royals club out of Spring Training.

"I would like to thank the Captains and Ricky VanAsselberg for giving me the opportunity to play in 2010," Peterson said. If they hadn't done so, I wouldn't have this chance today. I also have to mention all of my teammates for helping us bring home the 2010 championship - by far the most memorable of my career. Every one of you will always have a special piece of my heart."

Originally from Massachusetts, Peterson lives with his wife Julia and their daughter Teagan in the Dallas area. In addition to working with young baseball players during the offseason, Peterson also co-owns an apparel company featuring minor league-themed wear called DLIPB (Don't Like it, Play Better) at dlipb.com along with former teammate David Shafer.

The 2010 American Association Champion Shreveport-Bossier Captains thank all of the people who made the 2010 regular season such a success. Check back at the team's official Web site www.sbcaptains.com for the 2011 schedule and any other off-season news as develops. For information on 2011 tickets, promotions, advertising, and other opportunities with the Captains, check out the Web site as well, or call the Fair Grounds Field office at (318) 636-5555.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from December 13, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central