Pirates On The Prairie

Pirates On The Prairie by Minnesota native and published author Eric Bergeson, tells the true story of a Minnesota community of 590 who rallied around a handful of larger-than-life, local athletic heroes in the mid 1950s. Excelling in both basketball and baseball, these high-schoolers thrilled their townsfolk with their near-miraculous feats on the court and on the field.

Pirates On The Prairie takes readers back to a time when the small community of Halstad, Minnesota followed its teams through two state tournaments and relives the excitement generated by a group of guys who became the "darlings of Minnesota."

The tense, play-by-play account of the team’s performances will engage any sports fan.

Bergeson also traces the history of northwestern Minnesota and describes what brought the early Norwegian settlers to that part of the country.  He talks about the hardships faced by these hardy Scandinavian farmers and how they worked to build schools, churches, and businesses.
 

The vivid picture of small-town and rural life in the early ‘50s will teach the young while stirring deep-seated memories in those who actually lived this kind of life.

Pirates on the Prairie Reviews

Order Pirates on the Prairie in Paperback

Buy Pirates on the Prairie by calling Resources Unlimited at 800.278.1292 or click below to order online.

Order the NEW Pirates on the Prairie Audio Book!

Buy the new Pirates on the Prairie Audio Book, read by the author, Eric Bergeson. Call Resources Unlimited at 800.278.1292 or click below to order online.

Pirates on the Prairie is also available in selected Minnesota Thrifty White drug stores, book stores, and libraries.

Pirates on the Prairie Reseller Information

Would you like to sell Pirates on the Prairie at your book store or other business? Call Resources Unlimited at 515.278.1292 for details, or send an email to info@PiratesonthePrairie.com.

Pirates on the Prairie at Halstad’s All-School Reunion

Join the Starting Five July 23-25, 2010 in Halstad, Minnesota at the All-School Reunion. Eric Bergeson and the players featured in the book will be on hand to autograph copies of Pirates on the Prairie. For details about the celebration, visit the Halstad website.

Pirates on the Prairie Signings & Interviews

Call 515.278.1292 or email Clarence Stennes for interview requests and Pirates on the Prairie book signing information.

Pirates on the Prairie Blog

Visit the Pirates on the Prairie Blog to read forward excerpts and articles about Pirates on the Prairie.

Pirates on the Prairie Reviews

"A Minnesota historical and cultural treasure, especially for those of us who weren't alive in the 1940s and early 1950s, those of us who grew up in small American towns, those of us who appreciate the essence of young athletes giving it everything they've got and the euphoria that follows them." Click for full Pirates on the Prairie review>>

~ John Millea, Sportswriter
Star Tribune

". . . the basketball and the history are so compelling in this tome that I recommend it for anyone who is interested in either of the topics." Read the full review of Pirates on the Prairie>>

~Craig Swalboski, Sports Editor
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin

Pirates on the Prairie Reader Comments

"I opened it immediately and, except to fix something to eat, never put it down until 2 a.m. Sunday. I read every word, not even skipping over descriptions of various 'plays,' even if I am not a really great basketball fan. Then I went back to read again the forwards and beginning chapters. You really captured the 'aura' of the time. May the book be a huge success and launch you as the author of other true stories!"

"You should sell the Movie rights on the book. It was so interesting and I could visualize everything . . . I have to say it was the most interesting book I have read this year!"

"I couldn't quit reading once I started."

"I have finished reading [Pirates on the Prairie]. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It could be any town USA, but it was Halstad. And bless the efforts of Clarence Stennes to bring the idea forward and finding your talents to bring it to us. Good job!!!"