The 2009 version of the Nanaimo Premier Pirates will have an “old school” feel to the program this year. Former Premier Pirate, Pete Entwistle takes over as head coach this year and will be joined with another former Pirate player and coach Mike Rogers. The coaching staff will be rounded out with Parksville Royals alumni Justin Millward, and Daryl Robson.

A strong class of senior's will reunite with a strong group of first year players and will define what Premier Pirates Baseball is all about.  They are a hard working group with a lot of grit and passion for the game. Team chemistry couldn't be better as players play for each other and pick each other up. There is a lot of skill and opportunities for this group to develop into clutch players. We have a smaller roster this year which will lead to a lot more playing time for some players.

As a coaching staff we are looking forward to watching the team and players develop into complete baseball players. We truly have some "Difference Makers" on the team; they have the ability to change an outcome of a game in a single opportunity.  We are a team that will leave it all out on the field and get after it every game.

Pitching
On the mound the Pirates will welcome back Steven McKinnon, Cody Chartrand, and Darren Kolk. Both McKinnon and Chartrand will continue to build on strong seasons last year, while Kolk will be looked upon to increase in his innings on the mound this year. Derek Garrow a Ladysmith product has looked impressive this spring. Garrow is a welcomed addition who has looked right at home in the Pirates Program. Jordan Clarkson comes to the senior squad this year after being named the Junior Pirates Top Pitcher in 2008. Jordan Kornberger and Jay Huggins have look strong on the mound and will see some valuable innings out of the bullpens this year.

Corner Infield
Jay Huggins will be making the change from 1st base last season to 3rd this season. Jay shows great patients at the plate and will look to improve upon his hit total of last season. Cody Andreychuk, Steve McKinnon, and Cody Chartrand will share time at 1st base and the DH spot this year. McKinnon is one of the top athletes in the province, while Chartrand will provide excellent leadership. Andreychuk who has worked hard in the gym during the off season will build upon his strong finish at the plate during the 2008 season.

Middle Infield
Jordan Romine will be our starting shortstop this year. His speed and athleticism is a great asset up the middle. The coaching staff will be looking for him to develop as a leader on the infield. Curt Schulenberg, Jordan Rogers and Shayne Kelly will be battling it out for the starting spot at 2nd base. All three are great players and it will be fun to watch them battle it out for the starting spot. 

Outfield
Blake Robson, Darren Kolk, Shayne Kelly and Jordan Kornberger will be patrolling the outfield this year. Robson will look to spark the offense at the leadoff spot, and has the opportunity to change the game in the field with his ability to track down a fly ball. Kolk and Kelly will be solid hitters in the middle of the Pirates order, while Jordan Kornberger has looked impressive this spring playing multiple positions.

Catching
The Premier Pirates are once again strong behind the plate with Jordan Rogers and Jordan Kornberger. Both will have runners on there toes as both like to show off thier arms. Rogers and Kornberger will be pushing each other to become better the entire season.

The 2009 Premier Pirates are a tight group of competitive players. This group has been together for a long time and will look to finish there final season together strong.