Bainbridge catcher Blake Merchant signed a scholarship Thursday with Thomas University.

Merchant has started in the position for the past two season for the Bearcats.

“Blake has a few tools,” Thomas University J.V. coach Randy Adams said. “He is a kid who is going to work hard, and a kid I don’t think I’m going to have problems with.”
Looking on as Merchant signed were friends, coaches and family.

Merchant said he was as attracted to the academic side of the school as well as the athletics.

“(I like) the small classes, the friendly atmosphere, the fact that they are encouraging. They acted like they wanted me there,” Merchant said. “The coaches are just awesome. I feel like they want to help you, they want to make you better.”

Merchants mother, Kim, who Merchant calls his “No. 1 fan” was ecstatic to see her son moving on to play at the next level.

“I am so proud of him,” Kim said. “He has worked really, really hard the last few years. But this senior year he really put a lot into it. I think he is going to do great.”

Merchant was named the Second team All Region 1-AAAA catcher for his performance during the 2015 season.

He batted .295 overall and .372 in region games. He drove in 10 runs, scored seven runs and had a .518 on-base percentage.