Former Manitowoc Skunk, Juan Pierre, was the first Northwoods League alum to win a World Series title and the second NWL alum to reach the Major Leagues. Pierre played in the NWL for the Manitowoc Skunks during the 1996 season and won the batting title with a .360 average (49-for-136) over 35 games.
Pierre was first drafted in the 48th round of the 1996 draft by the Mariners but would return to school. He was then drafted again by the Rockies in the 13th round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft. Pierre played in Major League Baseball from 2000–2013 for the Colorado Rockies, Florida/Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his speed, he stole 614 bases in his career, the 18th most in MLB history at the time of his retirement. He now works at MLB Network as an on-air analyst. Pierre finished his career with a .295 batting average, 2,217 hits, 18 home runs and 517 RBI.
Additional Information about Juan Pierre
- In the 2003 World Series, Pierre went 7 for 21 with two doubles, a stolen base and three RBI.
- Pierre was in good company in 1996 when he won the Northwoods’ League batting title. Three of the top four hitters that year went on to Major League Baseball careers. Robb Quinlan was drafted in 1999 by the Anaheim Angels and spent seasons on their big league club, batting .276 for his career. Jay Gibbons was drafted in 1998 by the Toronto Blue Jays, made his major league debut with the Orioles and played all or part of 9 seasons with the Orioles and Dodgers. He finished his career with a .260 batting average and 127 home runs, finishing among the top 20 home run leaders for the American League twice (2002, 2005).
Manitowoc Skunks memorabilia signed by Juan Pierre.
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