Baseball Bears return to Campus after a Summer of Success

MACON, Ga. – Mercer baseball ended the 2005 season in exciting fashion with a walk-off win over conference rival UCF on May 21, however the end of the regular season doesn’t mean the Bears stop playing baseball.

Eric Renfroe and Josh Thompson traveled to the Shenandoah Valley League in Virginia and came home with an All-Valley team honor and an All-Star game appearance respectively.

Renfroe led his New Market Rebels with a .331 batting average in 39 games. Eric finished the season with 48 hits, seven doubles and a homer in 145 at-bats.

The Rebels finished the season 30-21 with a 17-8 home record. Renfroe was named to the 2005 All-Valley League team for his summer of play.

Josh Thompson spent his summer in Winchester, Va. racking up 44 hits in 176 at-bats, finishing with 10 doubles, one triple and three home runs. Thompson finished tied for the team lead with 65 total bases.

Thompson represented Winchester in the Valley League all-star game and participated in the home run derby.

Mike Narveson helped lead the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs in their championship run in the Florida Collegiate League.

Narveson made three starts and five total appearances finishing with a 21.1 innings pitched and a 2.53 ERA with 22 strikeouts and just five walks.

The Bears continue their off-season conditioning in preparation for the fall JV schedule and full team practice scheduled to take place in early October.

Mercer Baseball Names Tim Boeth as Assistant Coach

MACON, Ga. – Mercer baseball coach Craig Gibson officially announced Tim Boeth as the assistant coach for the Bears.

“Tim is a great fit for our program and we are excited to have him on board,

Renfroe Named one of the Top 10 Prospects in the Valley League

MACON, Ga. – Mercer centerfielder Eric Renfroe spent his summer in New Market, Va. and came home with more than just a story about what he did on his summer vacation.

While playing for the New Market Rebels in the Shenandoah Valley League, Renfroe hit .329 in 152 at-bats and was named to the all-valley team after the season.

ESPN’s Baseball America then named Renfroe, in an article published on August 25, 2005, as the seventh-best prospect to play in the Valley this summer.

The article describes Eric as “a terrific athlete who is still learning how to use his considerable raw talent, but he impressed in the Valley by hitting .329, fourth best in the league.

Upcoming Events in Mercer Baseball

MACON, Ga. – Mercer baseball has announced it fall Junior Varsity schedule along with other important upcoming events to be held at Claude Smith Field.

On October 7 and 8, Mercer will host the 2005 Georgia Junior College Athletic Association Sophomore Showcase. The Showcase will feature a pro style workout on Friday, October 7, scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and two 10-inning all-star games on Saturday October 8.

The Bears will begin their fall Junior Varsity season and official fall practice on October 11. Mercer’s JV will take on Middle Georgia Junior College at 4 p.m. at Claude Smith Field.

Mercer scheduled its annual Scout Day showcase for October 24, at Claude Smith Field. The Bears will hold a workout at the conclusion of fall practice for representatives of professional baseball teams from around the country.

For more information about upcoming events as well as information on all Mercer Athletics, check http://www.mercerbears.com the official site for Mercer Sports.