The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp, a summer‑collegiate baseball club anchored in Peru, Illinois, are set to make their debut in the Prospect League this spring. The team’s first game is slated for May 26 in Clinton, Iowa, where they will face the local LumberKings before a crowd that can enjoy the action without paying a ticket.
Community‑first pricing
All home games at the 2,500‑seat venue are free to attend, a decision championed by the City of Peru that hopes to foster community involvement and showcase the region’s scenic ballpark.
Local flavor on the field
Food trucks curated from the local area will line the concourse, giving spectators a taste of regional cuisine alongside the usual ballpark fare.
Players are housed with host families in the LaSalle area, a program designed to build camaraderie and ease the transition for athletes away from home.
A milestone for the franchise
Among the roster, right‑hander Noah Schultz stands out as the first Pistol Shrimp player to earn a Major League Baseball contract, having been drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2022. Schultz’s ascent marks the culmination of a decade‑long draft pipeline that has seen ten players from the club sign professional deals.
The stadium’s proximity to the Illinois Valley Regional Airport adds a logistical advantage, while the team’s partnership with the Chicago White Sox provides a direct pathway for talent evaluation.