Berry Alum Continues Success in Pros

Now a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Captains, Karr is showing the power that made him a fan favorite at Berry. He’s hitting .343 with 10 home runs and 45 runs batted in prior to this past Tuesday’s All-Star Game, in which he went 1-for-3 and drew a pair of walks while helping the South Division to a 12-3 victory over the North. Those numbers came despite missing 12 games due to a strained oblique muscle. Karr returned to the Captains’ lineup four games before the All-Star break. While he’s no stranger to All-Star games, having played in two United League All-Star games in the past, Karr saw something Tuesday he’d never seen before.

`They threw me sliders, in the All-Star game,` he said. `Nobody throws sliders in an All-Star game. But, having only been back from an injury for a few games, it was actually good for me to see some sliders.”

And, despite Karr’s sarcastic disapproval of opposing pitchers not throwing him a cookie during the exhibition, he said he enjoyed the overall experience.

`It was fun to hit in the home run derby this year, too` he said. `The American Association did a really good job with the whole event. It was first-class all the way, and a lot of fun for the players and fans.`

Now, Karr is turning his attention to helping the Captains finish the regular season strong and entering the post-season on a positive note. Shreveport-Bossier won the American Association’s South Division first-half title, clinching a spot in the playoffs.

`Three other players from our team played in the All-Star game, and we had a few others make the team but get scratched because of injuries,` Karr said. `We need to get everybody healthy. We have about 30 more games before the playoffs begin.`

Winning a championship for the city of Shreveport drives Karr, who says the host city has really taken to this year’s club.

`(Our success) has been a big thing in Shreveport,` Karr said. `They haven’t won a lot in the past, but this is a really good team.`

He did mention one obstacle for a power hitter like himself.

`Shreveport’s a really nice place to play,` he said. `We have a really nice field that’s been renovated recently. It’s tough to hit a home run there, though. It’s a big field.`

Still, Karr’s power numbers are as solid this year as nearly any other season, and his batting average is the best he’s had over a full season in his six-year professional career.

`As I get older, I don’t think I have as much power as I once had,` Karr conceded. `But, I’m a much better hitter now. I don’t know if it’s because my bat is a little slower than it was earlier in my career, but I feel that I understand how to hit a lot better now.`

In his six year independent league career, Karr has put up impressive numbers, hitting .292 with 79 home runs and 299 RBIs in 413 games. He’s played in three All-Star games and also appeared in the Can-Am League’s post season All-Star team in 2009. He says he loves playing baseball for a living. And even at 28 years old and with six teams listed on his resume, Karr can’t help but to wonder if his big break could be right around the corner.

`I’m still having a really good time playing, and I’ve enjoyed all the experiences I’ve had,` he said. `I try not to dream too much, but we all dream of playing Major League Baseball. I still hope to make it. I’m just going to keep trying to put up good numbers and hope that someone might give me a chance.`

Palmer Karr has a bat and a dream. And there`s no telling how far they may take him.

By: Mickey Seward