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By Jeff Sullivan
PBR MA Assistant Scouting Director 

Joe Mercadante, OF/LHP, Agawam HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Long Island?

Mercadante: I chose Long Island because the staff is made up of great baseball people that know the game, that are going to make me a better baseball player. It is also a great school that provides great job opportunities. I know it will be a great environment for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Mercadante: UCONN, Boston College, Umass Lowell, Bryant.

PBR: Now that your commitment is out of the way, what are your goals for your senior year?

Mercadante: My goals are to end with good grades and make sure everything goes smoothly. Also To continue to get stronger and work out, and prepare myself for the college lifestyle and competition.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most memorable experience?

Mercadante: I play for the AP Royals. my most memorable experience was down in Alexandria, VA at George Washington U, where we played the best the game of the year against a very good New Jersey Sand Sharks team. We beat them in extra innings. A true team effort.

PBR: What person has the greatest impact on your baseball career and why?

Mercadante: My dad for sure. Playing in the cape league and being around pro baseball camps, offered contracts, etc. he knows how the game is supposed to be played. He's been a huge supporter, and he's one of the reasons as the why I'm where I am today. He's only going to continue to help me as a player. (He can still out-throw me)

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter/pitcher you’ve faced in the state?

Mercadante: Seamus Curran (hitter) and Tom Lane (pitcher)

PBR: As a two-way player now, where do you see your future, on the hill or in the outfield?

Mercadante:The outfield for sure. But coach said I may get some time on the hill as a late innings guy, closer. Primarily, I will be in the outfield.