AVP of Marketing Mike Mertz Hits a Home Run with Virginia USSSA Hall of Fame Induction
HERNDON, Va. — AVP of Marketing Mike Mertz was recently recognized for his girls fastpitch softball coaching success with an induction into the Virginia USSSA Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at the Gregg-Adams Club in Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia on March 2, 2024.
Mertz, aka Coach Mertz, entered into the 2024 class of the VA Hall of Fame for his exceptional role as head coach/manager in the Virginia Glory fastpitch organization for the past 13 years.
Due to Mertz’ passion for the sport, drive to inspire and dedication to his players, 100 percent of his alumnae players have been recruited to play in college since the 2017 graduate class. In addition, the national media outlet, Extra Inning Softball, ranked Mertz the #24 club coach in the U.S.
His tireless volunteer coaching efforts have produced three NCAA Women’s College World Series participants, three national team World Cup players representing USA, Puerto Rico and Israel, and players in the SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big 10 conferences and dozens of mid-major schools.
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association named the Virginia Glory “Travel Ball/Youth Organization” fundraiser of the year — each year since 2018 — raising over $300,000 for Children’s National Hospital and its fight against pediatric cancer.
Mertz said, “Although coaching and traveling the country is my volunteer work, this has also been the most rewarding work of my life. Investing in these players and families, changing lives, elevating my community, and giving back to the game that has given me so much throughout my life.”
Mertz’ coaching legacy began 70 years ago with his grandfather, Charlie, a men’s softball coach who also coached him in baseball. He still holds a USSSA World Tournament patch that his grandfather won and gave to him in 1976. “I was 10 years old,” said Mertz. “Now, I'm a member of the USSSA Hall of Fame. Sometimes the story writes itself."
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