Jace Peterson loves the outdoors and he loves baseball.

Now he gets a chance to combine those two loves while simultaneously helping his hometown.

Peterson is a former McNeese State two-sport star who made it to the major leagues. And, while his pro baseball career is in limbo, his love for fishing, family and the community he calls home is in full swing.

This week the Moss Bluff native, who prepped at Hamilton Christian, is hosting the Jace Peterson Pro Pro Classic. It began Tuesday with a drawing that paired some baseball friends with fishing professionals and local anglers.

The tournament ends today with all the proceeds going to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana.

“Anytime you can be home, be around friends, have a good time, and raise money for a good cause, that’s tough to beat,” Peterson said.

“So for me to be able to do it all here, there is nothing like it. For me to bring this back home and to raise the money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, it was a no-brainer.

“I love Lake Charles. It has been really good to me and supported me and I just want to give something back.”

Peterson said he hopes to make this an annual event that grows as Southwest Louisiana continues to get back on its feet four years after Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Peterson has already helped the cause, especially at McNeese where he played both baseball and football.

“There are still some places you see that are still damaged, but you see the progress all over town,” Peterson said. “Anything I can do to help the area grow and get back I will do.”

Giving back has been a theme for Peterson since he made the majors in the summer of 2014. He has stayed in contact with the community, always coming home in the offseason to fish and hunt.

“Anytime we get somebody that has made it to the level Jace has, and comes back to help is great for us,” said Eric Zartler, senior vice president of sports for Visit Lake Charles. “He remembers how the area supported him in high school and at McNeese and now he is giving back and supporting us.”

The 34-year-old Peterson has played for seven teams in 11 seasons but missed the most recent one.

When asked if he was retiring, Peterson didn’t have a yes or no answer. He also didn’t seem too concerned about it.

“I think that question is a great question,” Peterson said. “I’m still undecided. I have been enjoying spending time with the family and we have another baby on the way so getting excited about that, but right now you know I’m still undecided. I’m in a good sport and leave it at that.”

He did admit that he missed the game and the friendships.

“Of course I miss it,” Peterson said. “You don’t play as long as I have ever since I was a young kid and not miss it.”

He said he is healthy and feels great but not sure what is next for him. That is outside of fishing and trying to win his tournament. All the pros want to win.

“These guys, they are all competitive,” Peterson said. “They would not be at the level they are in their careers if they weren’t. They want to beat the other guys.”

As for any side bets, Peterson admitted there might be a few.

“There have been some talked about,” he said.

At least the area will be a winner.

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Jim Gazzolo is a freelance writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. Email him at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com