The Carroll boys of summer have headed back to their respective colleges and the Merchants’ 2019 season is a new memory for them. Members of the Carroll Athletic Association are pleased with how the club has been integrated into the summer plans for so many, and John Perrin says they are meeting their goals.
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The team made it all the way to the championship game, but came up short in the quest for the title. Jim Auen says they want to thank all of the fans and supporters for another successful year.
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Auen says we lead the Pioneer League in attendance, with Bancroft, who can only seat about 300, coming in next. He gives a lot of the credit for that to having one of the most iconic fields in the region and a culture of giving in Carroll that provides the necessary support for these types of ventures. Perrin agrees.
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The host families have played a huge role in making these 23 players from around the country feel at home and welcome. And many of them say having the players be a part of their family is one of their most rewarding experiences. Auen says the players are also embedded into the community during their time here.
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Perrin says this year something new was introduced that had some volunteers using social media to get the players connected with their fans and to keep their families in tune with what was happening with them here in Carroll. Auen says the future of the league and of Merchants baseball isn’t always in their hands. However, the Carroll Athletic Association will continue to do all they can for the bright future of the Merchants and their brand. There isn’t a lot of down time to reflect on this year because now that the season is over, many teams will start recruiting players as early as October.