By Merchants beat writer, Billy Bumbomber

Jamestown, ND – The Jamestown Miller Lite Merchants will begin the 2017 season looking to rebound from last year’s disappointing third place finish in the North Dakota Class AAA State Tournament.

Bryan Erstad will be at the helm leading the Merchants yet again as they begin their quest for their 9^th AAA title. The Merchants 29-game schedule is highlighted by tournaments in Fargo, Detroit Lakes, Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Jamestown. The season will culminate at the newly renovated dugouts of Jack Brown Stadium in Jamestown, North Dakota on the weekend of August 18-20.

“We have another busy summer ahead of us, we already have 29 games scheduled with a few more that are in the works. I’m really hoping to test this team early and see what they are made of,” stated Erstad.

At the plate, the Merchants will have to look for someone to replace one of their top offense threats, Jared Meiklefish. Meiklefish led the Merchants in hitting last year and was consistent threat at the top of lineup.

“Losing Jared will hurt but I believe some of our older/new guys are ready to step up and take his place,” says Erstad.

The core of the Merchant lineup will return yet again with Erstad, Preston Jensen and Jared Purdy leading the charge. Those three all batted over .300 last year, with Erstad leading the way at .397.

On the mound, the Merchants have their top three pitchers back: Brandon Baumgartner, Greg Lunski and Sam Hirchert. Those three threw 66% of the innings last year for the Merchants.

“It’s going to be great to have those three back this year. You know they are going to give us a great outing night in and night out,” stated pitching coach and Mayor of Enderlin, Jeff Nold.

In addition to all the old guys, Merchant recruiting coordinator Brandon Baumgartner and his area scouts have been hot on the trail in the offseason looking for some new young talent. He feels he has three promising stars in Concordia standouts Jake Stilwell and Alec Sames along with Tony Viger who is coming off a professional season last year. 

While Stilwell is technically not a rookie he plans to play more than three games with the Merchants this year which will help tremendously. 

Sames is a catcher/utility player from New Jersey that has had a lifelong goal of playing for the Merchants. Welcome to the team, Alec.

Viger already has unrealistically high expectations set for him, but says he doesn’t mind.  All he knows how to do is play anywhere, drop bombs, then come in to close games down.

The Miller Lite Merchants begin the 2017 season on Wednesday, May 17 at No Name Field against the Dilworth Raildogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM, the first fan in attendance will get a Milwaukee’s Best Light courtesy of Miller Lite.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of Merchant Baseball:  Miller Lite, Buffalo Wild Wings, Padgett Business Services, and Shady's Restaurant and Lounge.