Folks who live in the River Parishes know that it’s a little like living on Gilligan’s Island sometimes.

No one knows we’re here.

Often overlooked as the no-man’s land between the big cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge — except when big news hits, of course — a lot of football coaches know it’s sort of a pipeline for players.

Baseball has been a different story for a while. While some coaches might skip exits 206 and 209 off the I-10, Delgado Community College coach Joe Scheuermann knows there’s more to look for here than just sausage and jambalaya.

In his nearly 25 years as head coach of the Dolphins baseball team, Scheuermann has scooped up more than a few steals who were overlooked by the bigger colleges, More than a few of those hailed from the Saints (parishes).

“That’s my secret stash,” Scheuermann joked. “I don’t like to talk about it.”

One of the most notable was former Riverside Academy player Lee Haydel, who went on to a stellar 2-year career as a Dolphin,  then was drafted in 2006 by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 19th round. He spent several seasons in the minor leagues.

More recently, Hahnville pitcher Brooks Vial shined at Delgado before signing with Virginia Commonwealth, where he is putting up great numbers.

Now St. John the Baptist Parish baseball fans have a new reason to become Dolphins fans next spring.

This summer, Scheuermann scooped up a trio of St. John players who show great promise — Riverside Academy’s Tyler Gauthier and St. Charles Catholic’s Justin Ory and Brady Newman.

“That has always been a talent-rich area, there’s no doubt about it,” Scheuermann said.

“We’ve always kept our eye on schools like Hahnville and Destrehan, but a lot of kids get overlooked because they’re at a 2A school. Just because you’re a 2A school doesn’t mean you don’t have talent.”

Scheuermann should know. He went to Class 2A Redemptorist High School, where he was part of a state championship team. Then he went to Delgado to play for his father, the late “Rags” Scheuermann. From there he signed with Tulane.

He was an assistant coach at Tulane before his dad retired in 1990 and the reins were put into his very capable hands.

Gauthier is a talented outfielder, the only player from the area selected to participate in the Coaches’ All-Star game. He hit .352 with six doubles.

Ory, who Scheuermann called one of the best kept secrets in the state, hit .325 and drove in 36 runs for the Comets, who were the Class 2A state runners-up this season. He also had a .980 fielding percentage.

Newman, also a catcher, hit .475 with one home run, seven doubles and 37 RBIs.

He is the son of Dan “Boomer” Newman, who also played at Delgado.

In fact, Brady Newman will become Scheuermann’s first “legacy” player in his 24 years, his first father-son duo.

“I’m sure there will be a few more coming up over the next couple of years,” Scheuermann said.

“It just means I’ve been here a long, long time.”

Lori Lyons is sports editor of L’OBSERVATEUR. She can be reached at 985-652-9545 or lori.lyons@lobservateur.com.