Baseball team dedicated, pitching solid, says coach

Corey Mercer, head coach for North Lake Blazers’ baseball team, has a simple philosophy when it comes to coaching this year’s team.

“We try to emphasize that the game hasn’t changed since they were six,” Mercer explained. “The bases are [a] little farther. The fences are [a] little farther, but it is still the same game.”

Mercer describes his coaching style as light and fun. He believes this approach will keep his team loose during the season, which helps the players perform at a peak level during tense game situations. “Guys don’t play well when they are tight,” he said. “So we try to keep them relaxed and let them play.”

The Blazers are preparing for the upcoming season with 7 a.m. workouts. After their morning workout, the team heads out to the field for drills and batting practice. Mercer is impressed with the work ethic and dedication of this year’s team. “I have to tell them to leave, so I can go home,” he said, jokingly. “They won’t leave the field.”

Mercer’s strategy for this season is based on manufacturing runs with fundamentals, situational hitting, aided by strong pitching, solid fielding and a pinch of power hitting. “This year we will play small ball, which other people called smart ball,” said Mercer. “We will have real good pitching. We are going to play good defense. That is kind of what we envision.”

Pitching is one of the strengths of this year’s squad. The depth and experience of the returning pitchers will be a key asset of the team. Mercer feels the experience of his sophomores along with the off-season acquisitions can take the team deep into the playoffs.

“Pitching will be a definite strength with the sophomores we have coming back,” said Mercer. “We are going to be pretty solid. We have added a few young arms that I think will give us some quality innings.”

During the fall, the team spent a significant amount of time fielding ground balls and turning double plays. The coaching staff has placed an emphasis on doing the little things defensively that will end crucial innings.

“Defensively we struggled last year,” Mercer said. “We need to finish the routine plays. We have to make the plays to get out of the inning.”

The Blazers will open up the season at the Maricopa Community College Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz., on Feb. 3. The first home game for the Blazers will be on Feb. 21 against Conners State College at 1 p.m.

Assistant Coach Dane Phillips expressed that the team would benefit from the support of the North Lake College students. He believes the boost from the crowd can help the players elevate their game.

“That is a big factor in success in college baseball program, if you are backed by your student body,” Phillips said. “In my opinion, you play better when you have people in the stands.” Mercer also echoed Phillips’ sentiments. “We’d love to see the student body come out and support us,” Mercer said.