At the second annual Jim Martin Alumni Baseball Game, held Sunday, former Pirate players proved they still had it on the field when they defeated players from the current varsity team.

Alumni team members came from around the region to participate, ranging in age from 20 to over 50. The main event was a seven-inning game that pitted the current varsity team, coached by Steve Hall, against the Pirate alumni, coached by Joe Wald.

In a closely fought match, the alumni team prevailed, 3-1, and was led by a strong pitching staff from the classes of 2007 and 2008.

Justin Calhoun, Eric Anderson and Micah Deibell all pitched two innings apiece and Chris Allman closed it out in the seventh. Pitching for the varsity team were Tyler Bernheisel, Erik Powelson, Kelly Sullivan and Josh Myer.

Leading the alumni offense with multiple hits were Nathan Ott and Deibell. Surprisingly, perhaps, several of the older alumni made solid contact at the plate and delivered a couple of hits as well. A defensive standout for the varsity team was coach Steve Hall, who made several sparkling plays at shortstop.

After the game, organizers hosted a barbecue served up by grill master Rick Powelson.

The final event of the day was the Home Run Derby. Most of the players participated, and multiple home runs were anticipated. However, due to wind conditions, that was not the case.  Despite several players, including Hall, coming very close on several attempts, there were no home runs until Allman cleared the left field fence in his final at bat to win the derby.

“It’s always great to see how much the alumni have grown and matured,” said Hall. “It was also cool having the guys wanting me to play shortstop for both teams.”

The Pirates want to thank everyone who participated, especially alumnus Tom Smith, who umpired the game.

— Rita Allman does web and team support for the Pirates.