Lucas Burris Will Depart Pistol Shrimp Baseball To Pursue A New Opportunity
PERU, Ill. - Pistol Shrimp Baseball Assistant General Manager and Play-By-Play Voice, Lucas Burris, has announced his departure from the organization to pursue a new job opportunity in the Illinois Valley.
The following message has been shared by Lucas regarding his departure:
“This message may come as a surprise to many, but today I am announcing my departure from Pistol Shrimp Baseball. I have accepted a new, very exciting role within the Illinois Valley community that will be announced shortly. I will transition out of my role with the team in the coming weeks.
I’m speaking directly to you today to say one thing: thank you.
I’ve had the honor over the last five years to craft the message and branding of the Pistol Shrimp. Through our social media channels, website, and marketing, you’ve heard my voice. Thank you for helping us be honored with Prospect League Social Media of the Year in 2023 and 2025.
Mostly, though, you’ve heard me directly on our broadcasts. Over these last five seasons, more than 250 games have been broadcast across our streaming and radio networks. I’ve had the privilege of taking you through all our memorable moments, culminating in the call of our 2024 League Championship. Thank you for allowing me into your homes, your cars, and across our community.
While I won’t be far away, I will thoroughly miss our game day interactions and the relationships and partnerships we’ve built together. Thank you for all the kind words regarding myself and the organization over my time. Enjoy the new memories and excitement of the season ahead, there is still a summer of fun approaching. While I won’t be in the booth, I’ll still be here, when I can, cheering alongside you.”
An Illinois Valley native, Lucas joined the Pistol Shrimp in March 2021 for the organization's inaugural season in Peru. Initially hired to serve as broadcast play-by-play, he was elevated to Director of Communication and Media alongside play-by-play before the start of that season.
Lucas served in that part-time capacity until his promotion to full-time Assistant General Manager in September 2022. He served as the Voice of Pistol Shrimp Baseball for all five seasons in the Illinois Valley and was named 2023 Prospect League Broadcaster of the Year by fan vote.
Statement Pistol Shrimp Owner and Field Manager, John Jakiemiec:
“Lucas has been instrumental in building what Pistol Shrimp Baseball is today, both on the air and behind the scenes. From our very first season in Peru through our 2024 League Championship, his talent, creativity, and work ethic helped shape our brand and connect our team to fans across the Illinois Valley.
While we are sad to see him go, we are incredibly excited for this next opportunity for him and grateful that he will remain a part of this community. On behalf of our players, coaches, staff, and fans, I want to thank Lucas for five outstanding seasons and wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter.”
Statement Pistol Shrimp General Manager, June Keeley:
“Lucas has been such an integral part of our team since day one in the Illinois Valley, it’s nearly impossible to imagine Shrimp life without him. This is an incredibly bittersweet time for John and I as we prepare for his departure while simultaneously and proudly celebrating the exciting new opportunity ahead of him.
Lucas’ accomplishments and achievements run far and wide. His strong industry knowledge, creativity and unwavering work ethic have shaped our daily operations and practices, as well as helped develop our brand and vision as an organization. His contributions are immeasurable and will live on in the strong foundation he’s helped to create for our team in this community. We are deeply appreciative of everything he’s done and want to thank Lucas for his commitment and dedication, pouring his heart and soul into this team over the past five years. On a personal note, I will miss his humor and wit in our daily interactions, both as an amazing teammate to work and collaborate with, but also as a friend.”
Lucas will depart the organization before 2026 Opening Day. The majority of the 2026 Pistol Shrimp staff is set, and therefore, the team will consolidate responsibilities across the organization for the summer ahead. The Pistol Shrimp have already begun assembling a new broadcast team and will announce the 2026 broadcast staff soon.
The Pistol Shrimp open the 2026 season on Tuesday, May 26, on the road facing the Clinton LumberKings. The Pistol Shrimp will debut at home on Wednesday, May 27, against the Quincy Doggy Paddlers. Both games, alongside all games this season, can be watched live on the Prospect League Network and listened to on 103.9 WLPO. More information regarding the 2026 Pistol Shrimp season ahead can be found at pistolshrimpbaseball.com.
About Pistol Shrimp Baseball
The 2024 Prospect League Champion Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are an amateur wood-bat summer league baseball team, made up of top college players from around the country who aspire to a career in professional baseball! Established in 2019, the Pistol Shrimp are part of the Prospect League, a 20-team league that spans across the Midwest from Iowa to Tennessee to Pennsylvania. The Pistol Shrimp play their home games at Schweickert Stadium in Peru, Illinois from late May to early August each year, and pride themselves on providing fun, affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the communities of Peru and the towns throughout the entire Illinois Valley region!