Reps from Major League Baseball, Four-Year Schools Come out for Vikings Baseball Scout Day
11/9/17
Representatives from dozens of Major League Baseball teams and four-year college baseball programs attended MCCC Scout Day on Oct. 29.
Scout Day included a buffet luncheon for Vikings baseball players, scouts, alumni and other guests at the Butch Miller Baseball Pavillion, named in honor of Mercer's all-time winningest coach.
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WEST WINDSOR – Nearly four-dozens scouts, representing Major League Baseball (MLB) and four-year colleges from throughout the nation, made their way to Mercer County Community College (MCCC) last month to observe, evaluate, and recruit players on this year’s Vikings baseball team.
“Scout Day is great exposure for the players in our program,” said Kevin Kerins, MCCC head baseball coach. “The turnout is a credit to the talented group we have this year, and the successful representation of our alumni and players over the past several years.”
The Mercer squad is coming off one of the best seasons in school history, capped off with the team’s first-ever trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II World Series championship game. The team finished the season as national runner-up, losing to Kankakee (Ill.) Community College 11-5 in the final contest. Nearly half of last year’s team is expected to return for the 2018 season.
The team finished the season with a 48-14 record, and was in the top ten nationally in runs scored, hits, doubles, home runs, extra base hits, stolen bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. The pitching staff was in the top 15 in earned run average and lowest batting average against.
In addition, two Vikings were selected in the MLB draft: Pitcher Dennis Brady, in the seventh round by the Los Angles Angels of Anaheim, and catcher Anthony Peroni in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals. Both attended Scout Day at MCCC this year, joining a dozen other baseball alumni who came out for the event.
The day included a pro-style workout for the players, as well as a variety of individual and team defensive sessions and a full-team batting practice and an inter-squad competition.
“The turnout was humbling, seeing such tremendous participation from colleges, universities, and major league organizations,” Kerins said. “Our players greatly benefit from the exposure Scout Day brings.”
Scout Day marked the conclusion of the team’s fall practice season, with the regular season starting on the road Feb. 17 against Cumberland. The home opener is March 4, when the Vikings host UConn Avery Point for a double header.
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