10 Things You Didn’t Know About Jordy Mercer: The Pirates’ Hidden Gem
Introduction
Jordy Mercer is a professional baseball player who has spent most of his career playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is a utility player, which means he can play multiple positions on the field, such as shortstop, second base, and third base. He has been an integral part of the Pirates’ success in recent years, but there are many things about him that fans might not know. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 things you didn’t know about Jordy Mercer.
1. Mercer Played College Baseball in Oklahoma
Before he became a professional baseball player, Jordy Mercer played college baseball at Oklahoma State University. He was a standout player for the Cowboys, earning many awards and honors during his time there. In 2008, he was selected to the All-Big 12 Conference Team, and he was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which is given to the top shortstop in college baseball.
2. He Started His Professional Career in 2008
After college, Mercer was drafted by the Pirates in the third round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He started playing for their minor league teams, working his way up to the major leagues. He made his MLB debut on April 20, 2012, and has been a key player for the Pirates ever since.
3. Mercer Has Had Some Big Moments in the Postseason
Mercer has played in multiple postseasons with the Pirates, and he has had some big moments in those games. In the 2013 Wild Card Game against the Cincinnati Reds, he hit a home run that proved to be the game-winning hit. In the 2014 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, he hit a walk-off pinch-hit single to win the game.
4. He’s a Great Defensive Player
Mercer is known for his defensive skills on the field. He has a career fielding percentage of .973, which is very good for a shortstop. He has also made some amazing defensive plays throughout his career, including a diving catch in the outfield during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015.
5. Mercer is a Reliable Hitter
While Mercer is primarily known for his defensive skills, he is also a reliable hitter. He has a career batting average of .258, and he has hit over 10 home runs in multiple seasons. He is also known for his clutch hitting, as he has had multiple game-winning hits throughout his career.
6. He is a Family Man
Off the field, Mercer is a devoted husband and father. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kasey, and they have two children together. He is known for his strong family values and his dedication to his family.
7. Mercer is Involved in Charitable Work
Mercer is also involved in charitable work, particularly with the Miracle League of the South Hills. The Miracle League is a baseball league for children with disabilities, and Mercer has been a supporter of the organization for many years. He has also participated in other charitable events and fundraisers.
8. He’s a Self-Proclaimed “Average Joe”
Despite his success as a professional baseball player, Mercer has described himself as an “average Joe.” He is known for his humility and his down-to-earth personality. He has often credited his success to hard work and determination, rather than natural talent.
FAQs
Q: What positions can Jordy Mercer play?
A: Jordy Mercer is a utility player, which means he can play multiple positions on the field, including shortstop, second base, and third base.
Q: What college did Jordy Mercer play baseball for?
A: Jordy Mercer played college baseball at Oklahoma State University.
Q: When did Jordy Mercer start his professional career?
A: Jordy Mercer started his professional career in 2008, after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Q: Has Jordy Mercer played in the postseason?
A: Yes, Jordy Mercer has played in multiple postseasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Q: Is Jordy Mercer a good defensive player?
A: Yes, Jordy Mercer is known for his defensive skills on the field, particularly as a shortstop.
Q: Does Jordy Mercer have a family?
A: Yes, Jordy Mercer is married to his high school sweetheart, Kasey, and they have two children together.
Q: Is Jordy Mercer involved in charitable work?
A: Yes, Jordy Mercer is involved in charitable work, particularly with the Miracle League of the South Hills.
Conclusion
Jordy Mercer may not be a household name, but he is a key player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has had many big moments in his career, both on the field and off. He is known for his defensive skills, his clutch hitting, and his dedication to his family and charity work. Now that you know these 10 things about him, you can appreciate him even more as a player and a person.