Mercer Announces Joshua Pike As New Pitching Coach
7/15/2026 4:30:00 PM | Baseball
MACON – The Mercer baseball team announced the addition of Joshua Pike to its coaching staff, head coach Craig Gibson announced on Wednesday afternoon.
Pike will serve as the Bears' pitching coach after spending the last three seasons in a similar position with San Jose State. During his time in San Jose, Pike headed all pitching and recruiting operations and led the Spartans to back-to-back Mountain West Conference finals appearances in his first two seasons.
"From the moment the interview process started, it was obvious that Josh was the choice for this position," Gibson said. "What set Josh apart was his ability to develop and get the absolute most out of his pitching staff. He has had great success and has been around some great mentors throughout the years. We expect him to continue building on what we have accomplished here, and we are excited about our future moving forward with Josh in control of our pitching staff."
Under Pike's leadership, the Spartans' pitching staff struck out 1,157 batters over 1,446.2 innings. Pike produced four All-MWC arms including Dylan Smith (2026 First Team), Tyler Albanese (2025 Second Team), Ethan Ross (2024 Second Team) and Micky Thompson (2024 Second Team).
Pike began his coaching career at North Carolina State, where he served as a graduate assistant and assistant pitching coach from 2020 to 2023. Throughout his tenure with the Wolfpack, Pike learned from legendary coaches Elliot Avent, Chris Hart and Clint Chrysler.
During Pike's stint in Raleigh, NC State's stable put together quite the resume:
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH PIKE
"First and foremost, Josh is an outstanding person of exceptional character. He is one of the brightest young pitching minds in the collegiate game, and his relentless work ethic sets him apart from the rest. Mercer has significantly strengthened its baseball program with the addition of Josh Pike to its coaching staff." - Chris Hart, Head Coach, NC State
"Josh Pike is a rising star. His ability to build relationships, organize and implement development plans, and connect with the players is far beyond his years. Josh was a huge part of our success at NC State and will without a doubt do the same in Macon." – Clint Chrysler, Pitching Coach, NC State
"Mercer and Craig Gibson have landed one of the brightest young pitching coach talents in the industry. Josh was groomed under amazing pitching minds Scott Bankhead, Scott Foxhall and Clint Chrysler. In addition to Josh's diligent work ethic, their mentorship set the stage for excellence. I watched from Notre Dame and Florida State dugouts as he assisted Coach Avent's Wolfpack on their run to Omaha. Josh expressed how much he desired to run his own staff, prepare scouting reports, recruit, and handle administrative duties. When Brad Sanfilippo and San Jose State offered him this exact opportunity, I thought it was awesome. He embraced his chance, coached in a new part of the country, and performed. Opposing coaches commented to me on how prepared his pitching staffs appeared. I couldn't be more excited for Josh, Craig and all involved in his new position with the Mercer Bears." – Link Jarrett, Head Coach, Florida State
Pike will serve as the Bears' pitching coach after spending the last three seasons in a similar position with San Jose State. During his time in San Jose, Pike headed all pitching and recruiting operations and led the Spartans to back-to-back Mountain West Conference finals appearances in his first two seasons.
"From the moment the interview process started, it was obvious that Josh was the choice for this position," Gibson said. "What set Josh apart was his ability to develop and get the absolute most out of his pitching staff. He has had great success and has been around some great mentors throughout the years. We expect him to continue building on what we have accomplished here, and we are excited about our future moving forward with Josh in control of our pitching staff."
Under Pike's leadership, the Spartans' pitching staff struck out 1,157 batters over 1,446.2 innings. Pike produced four All-MWC arms including Dylan Smith (2026 First Team), Tyler Albanese (2025 Second Team), Ethan Ross (2024 Second Team) and Micky Thompson (2024 Second Team).
Pike began his coaching career at North Carolina State, where he served as a graduate assistant and assistant pitching coach from 2020 to 2023. Throughout his tenure with the Wolfpack, Pike learned from legendary coaches Elliot Avent, Chris Hart and Clint Chrysler.
During Pike's stint in Raleigh, NC State's stable put together quite the resume:
- 5 Pitchers drafted
- 3 Pitchers on the All-ACC Third Team
- Evan Justice received Third Team All-America honors from Perfect Game and D1Baseball
- Dominic Fritton was an ACC All-Freshman pitcher and a consensus Freshman All-American
- Sam Highfill and Chris Villaman were chosen to the 2021 USA Collegiate National Team (Pike served on the coaching staff in 2021 and 2022)
- College World Series appearance in 2021
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT COACH PIKE
"First and foremost, Josh is an outstanding person of exceptional character. He is one of the brightest young pitching minds in the collegiate game, and his relentless work ethic sets him apart from the rest. Mercer has significantly strengthened its baseball program with the addition of Josh Pike to its coaching staff." - Chris Hart, Head Coach, NC State
"Josh Pike is a rising star. His ability to build relationships, organize and implement development plans, and connect with the players is far beyond his years. Josh was a huge part of our success at NC State and will without a doubt do the same in Macon." – Clint Chrysler, Pitching Coach, NC State
"Mercer and Craig Gibson have landed one of the brightest young pitching coach talents in the industry. Josh was groomed under amazing pitching minds Scott Bankhead, Scott Foxhall and Clint Chrysler. In addition to Josh's diligent work ethic, their mentorship set the stage for excellence. I watched from Notre Dame and Florida State dugouts as he assisted Coach Avent's Wolfpack on their run to Omaha. Josh expressed how much he desired to run his own staff, prepare scouting reports, recruit, and handle administrative duties. When Brad Sanfilippo and San Jose State offered him this exact opportunity, I thought it was awesome. He embraced his chance, coached in a new part of the country, and performed. Opposing coaches commented to me on how prepared his pitching staffs appeared. I couldn't be more excited for Josh, Craig and all involved in his new position with the Mercer Bears." – Link Jarrett, Head Coach, Florida State
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