Over a seven-game stretch, Mercado went 16 for 28, hitting safely in each game. He then capped it with a 4-for-5 performance in an Albany-Colonie win, according to The Schenectady Daily Gazette.
"I'm just working hard," Mercado told The Daily Gazette of his success. "I feel comfortable."
Mercado was in his fifth professional season that year, his first in independent ball. He went on to play as a pro in eight seasons. He never made AA.
Mercado's career began in 1990, signed by the Athletics out of his native Dominican Republic. Signing him, according to his ProCards card, was Juan Marichal.
With the Athletics, Mercado played his first year between the rookie Arizona League and short-season Southern Oregon. He hit .180, with 20 RBI on the year.
He moved to single-A Madison for 1991, hitting .242 there. He knocked in two runs in a May game, helping Madison to a victory. He also made the league All-Star team.
Mercado made high-A Reno for 1992, hitting .231. He moved to the Indians system and single-A Columbus for 1993. He hit just .152 over 36 games, ending his affiliated career.
Mercado then returned to the field in 1995 with Albany-Colonie. His average also increased to .316 over 60 games. He knocked a two-run double in an August game. He hit another run-scoring double later that month.
Mercado stayed with Albany into 1998. In 1997, he hit .333, with 12 home runs. In a 1996 game. Mercado knocked in five, four on a grand slam.
His final year ended up being that 1998 campaign. He split 37 games between three Northeast League clubs, ending his career.
- Schenectady Daily Gazette, July 2, 1995: Dogs swing hot bats in 13-3 rout
Players/Coaches Featured:1,556
Made the Majors: 761 - 48.9%
Never Made Majors: 795-51.1%-X
5+ Seasons in the Majors: 330
10+ Seasons in the Minors: 197
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