Trenton Thunder, Mercer County Freeholders Honor MCCC Baseball Team for Historic Season

7/27/17

TRENTON – The Trenton Thunder, the Double-A minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees, honored the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) Vikings baseball team during pre-game ceremonies at a recent home contest against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

“I want to thank the Thunder and the Yankees organization for recognizing our program’s accomplishments,” said MCCC Head Coach Kevin Kerins. “It was a great evening for our players to celebrate with the community.”

The festivities included the presentation of a proclamation by the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders commending the team for its historic run to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II World Series.

The Vikings’ season, which concluded in June with an appearance in the national championship game, included several firsts for the MCCC baseball program: First back-to-back trips to the NJCAA Division II World Series, first appearance in the national championship game, first time to repeat as Region 19 and Northeast District champions, and a school record 80 home runs. The team ended the season with a 48-14 record and as national runner up, falling to Kankakee Community College in the championship game.

In addition, two Vikings players were selected in the Major League Baseball Draft: Pitcher Dennis Brady in the seventh round by the Los Angeles Angels, and catcher Anthony Peroni in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals. Both were named First-Team All-Americans, with Brady being named national Pitcher of the Year, World Series Pitcher of the Tournament, and Region 19 Pitcher of the Year. Peroni was named Region 19 Player of the Year. In total, seven Vikings earned All-Region 19 and All-Garden State Athletic Conference honors.

“Anytime we can get our players, alumni, and their families together it’s something special,” Kerins said. “For the team to be honored by the county and the Thunder in front of a packed house, it is a day to celebrate.”

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