Prep Baseball Report

Player Spotlight: C Nic Mertes (Blue Springs South, 2015)



Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Nic Mertes (Blue Springs South, 2015) is a uncommitted cather/2B, that showed well at the Unsigned Senior Showcase on November 8.  Mertes, a 5-foot-10 180-pound left-handed hitter was a major reason the Jaguars earned a spot in the Final Four in Missouri Class 5.  Mertes hit .358 as junior with seven doubles and 17 RBI, earning All-District honors for his efforts.

On November 8, Mertes showed power right field with good leverage in his swing.  He has a smooth load and get through the ball with extension.  He registered an 85 mph exit velo.  Behind the plate, Mertes recorded pop times between 1.97 and 2.10 with accurate throws.  And on the infield, he showed fluid footwork with a clean exchange.  He has an infield velo at 78 mph.

During the summer, Mertes played for the Blue Springs American Legion team, Fike Post 499.  He saw the majority of his time at 2B, while for Blue Springs South he was the starting catcher.  Currently, Mertes is planning visits and still deciding on a school.  Below is a look into recruitment of Mertes.

PBR: What schools have expressed interest in you?

Mertes: Coffeyville CC, Midland University, Washburn, Emporia State, Truman State

PBR: Have you taken any visits, or have any visits scheduled in the near future? If so, what schools, and how recently?

Mertes: I will be visiting Midland University soon, and will schedule more visits throughout the end of the year.

PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)

 Mertes: I’m looking for a school with a good Exercise Science or Athletic Training program.

PBR: How did you do your junior year? What were your high school statistics? And how did your team do?

Mertes: My team, Blue Springs South, had an outstanding season. We finished 3rd in the Missouri State High School Class 5 Championship, behind great pitching, solid defense and timely hitting. Individually, I was 29 for 81 at the plate for a .358 avg. I had 7 doubles, 15 RBI’s, and 17 walks. I was also named to the District 14 All-District team.

PBR: What are you goals for your senior season? Name some players that will play a key role for Blue Springs South in 2015. 

Mertes: Get the chance to compete for a State Championship. Conner Davis, Ethan Frazier, and Colton Larkins will again be big contributors for the 2015 season.

PBR: What travel team do you play for? Are you playing fall ball with a team?

Mertes: I play Legion baseball with Fike/Post 499 during the summer and fall seasons.

PBR: Do you play any other sports?

Mertes: I stopped playing all other sports my freshman year to focus on baseball.

PBR: What are your ACT and GPA?

Mertes: My current ACT score is a 22 with a 3.6 GPA

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