Eric Mercado was announced as Bronx Community College's baseball head coach in August 2026, ushering in a new era for the Broncos following the conclusion of Adolfo DeJesus' legendary 40-season tenure leading the program.
Mercado, a Bronx native and longtime educator, coach and athletics professional, returns to Bronx Community College with deep ties to the institution and the local baseball community. He succeeds DeJesus, who spent four decades building one of the most accomplished baseball programs in the City University of New York.
"We are extremely excited and fortunate to hire Eric," said Bronx Community College Director of Athletics Dionne Dodson. "He has tremendous passion and energy for baseball and our student-athletes. He has a wealth of experience for his young career. Following a coach who led the program for over four decades is a difficult task, Eric is ready and built for the challenge. I know the BCC baseball program is in tremendous hands."
Mercado brings extensive experience across collegiate athletics, youth baseball, education and athletic administration to his new position.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this program," said Mercado. "To take over a program with such a rich history, especially in my hometown, is incredibly meaningful. I am excited to build on the foundation that has been established while helping our student-athletes grow academically, athletically and personally."
A graduate of Saint Peter's University, Mercado earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management in 2019 after serving as a student assistant to the university's Assistant Athletic Director for Events & Facilities. He later earned a Master of Education in Educational Studies from Manhattanville University in August 2024.
His collegiate coaching experience includes serving as an Assistant Baseball Coach at Lehman College, an NCAA Division III program, beginning in September 2025. In that role, Mercado has been responsible for recruiting prospective student-athletes, monitoring player development, scouting opponents, assisting with game planning and supervising team study periods.
Mercado has also continued his work in youth baseball through the New York Mets Nike RBI Program, operated by the Amazin' Mets Foundation. Since November 2025, he has coached players ages 10U through 13U, overseeing individual and team skill development while helping create a positive environment focused on players' physical and mental growth.
His coaching background extends beyond baseball. Mercado previously served as an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Monroe University and SUNY Westchester Community College, where he was involved in recruiting, academic advising, player development, scouting and game preparation.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Mercado has built a career in education. He currently teaches at Monsignor Scanlan High School in the Bronx, where he works with students in English/Language Arts and U.S. History. He has also served as a permanent substitute teacher at William B. Ward Elementary School in New Rochelle, working with general education, special education and physical education classes.
Mercado's connection to athletics began long before his professional career. He was a three-sport varsity student-athlete at All Hallows High School, competing in baseball, basketball and soccer from 2011 through 2015. He served as captain of the basketball team and earned the Mr. Jack Curran Award for Basketball Excellence, while also receiving the Brother James E. Roepke Award for Baseball Excellence.
On the soccer field, Mercado helped All Hallows capture consecutive CHSAA B Division championships in 2013 and 2014 and served as team captain from 2013 through 2015. He also competed with the Hooperstown Huskies AAU basketball program and was a team captain from 2010 through 2014.
Mercado continued his baseball career at the collegiate level, playing for the Saint Peter's University NCAA Division I baseball program in 2017 and 2018.
The appointment places Mercado at the helm of a program coming off one of the most successful periods in its history. DeJesus spent 40 seasons guiding Bronx Community College Baseball and established a legacy that includes 14 CUNY Community College championships, nearly 550 career victories and an appearance in the NJCAA World Series. The Broncos captured back-to-back CUNY championships in 2025 and 2026 under DeJesus.
For Mercado, succeeding a coach who devoted four decades to the program represents both a tremendous responsibility and an opportunity.
"Coach DeJesus has meant so much to Bronx Community College and to generations of student-athletes," Mercado said. "I have tremendous respect for everything he has accomplished and the foundation he has built. My goal is to honor that tradition while creating the next chapter of Bronx Baseball. We want to develop student-athletes who are successful on the field, in the classroom and in life."
With his combination of collegiate coaching experience, athletic administration, education and a lifelong connection to baseball, Mercado takes over the Broncos with a clear understanding of what it means to represent Bronx Community College.
The next chapter of Bronx Baseball begins with Mercado at the helm.
