Head Coach: Jaime Castañeda, 9th season
Assistant Coaches: Armando Reyes,Eddie Torres, Carlos Pimentel
2009 Record: 15-11, District: 12-2 Schoolʼs District Titles: 1974, 1986, and 1993
State Finalists: 1974 and 1986

The Mercedes Tigers are no strangers to the playoffs having made the playoffs six of the last eight years. “We have a few returning players with some experience. These players are back to provide a good nucleus for our team this year,” said Coach Jaime Castañeda entering his 10th season at Mercedes High School.

Jaime Casteñeda Jr.(sr.), SS/P, will be one of the Tiger leaders after making 1st team all-district last season. Casteñeda has been a starter since his freshman season. Aaron Torres (sr.), 1B/P, returns after making honorable mention all-district in 2009. Alex Rodriguez (sr.), OF/P, was a 2nd team all-district performer last season. Joe Garza (jr.), 2B/C, was also an honorable mention all district selection last season. Rounding out the returning players are Nathan Alvarado (sr.), OF, and C.J. Alvarado (jr.), 2B/P.

“Pitching will be our number one priority this season. This will be the key to our chances of having a successful season,” said Coach Casteñeda. “I believe we are going to be able to hit and score,” added Coach Castañeda.

The Tigers made the playoffs last season by going 10-15 overall and 8-4 for the second straight year. The Tigers were defeated in bi-district action by a strong Alice Coyote team(4-14, 1-12) who went on to defeat the defending state champions C.C. Moody team. Mercedes was 11-14 in 2006 and went 6-19 in 2005. The Tigers also lost to Alice in bi-district in 2007 in two straight games.

Tags: Baseball, mercedes, texas high school baseball