Podcast: Thayer Academy coach James Pierce on ISL outlook

Second-year Thayer Academy coach James Pierce joins The Base Path Podcast. (Thayer Athletics)

The latest guest on The Base Path Podcast is Thayer Academy coach James Pierce.

The Thayer Academy alumnus (Class of 2003) served as a longtime assistant under Rick Foresteire before taking over as head coach last spring.

He said on the podcast that the biggest challenge in Year 1 was adjusting to the new recruiting landscape at the prep level.

“It was the whole recruiting process and trying to get kids in,” Pierce said. “It’s really tough. The ISL is a great league. The schools aren’t too cheap. So, that’s the hardest part. It’s so easy coaching these ISL kids, especially the kids at Thayer. These student-athletes are awesome to be around and a lot of fun. They bring energy every day.”

Pierce, who led Thayer to a 5-13 record last spring, is hoping to lift the team back to its glory days, which included his senior year when he led the Tigers to an ISL championship.

“Every team certainly is tough,” Pierce said. “I think it’s hard not to have Belmont Hill at the top of your list when you’re ranking teams. They won it last year. They lost only one game in the regular season. They’re always very good. Milton Academy’s very good. Nobles coach Rob Murray does a great job. So, those three teams are always, are always up there at the top of the list. Lawrence Academy on the other side is always strong, they’re always tough, no matter what their record is. I think I’d put Governor’s Academy at the top right now with coach (James Cramphin). He always has some arms and has that team ready to go.”

Listen to the entire podcast with James Pierce.

The New England Baseball Journal podcast is brought to you by the University of Nebraska High School.

For advertising opportunities, please contact advertising@seamansmedia.com.