By: Giovanna Dante

As the Green Bay Rockers open their season with a fresh roster and high hopes, all eyes are on the first-year field manager Josh Merrill, who brings a blend of experience, energy, and authenticity to the ballpark. A former Northwoods League player himself, Merrill is now back in the league — this time calling the shots.

In this Q&A, Merrill shares what drew him to the Rockers organization, how he approaches coaching players from all over the country, and what fans can expect both on the field and in the dugout. From his love of early work and clubhouse culture to his right-sock-first superstition and juggling skills, Merrill is ready to make his mark in Ashwaubenon.

 

What attracted you to the Green Bay Rockers organization, and what are your goals for your first season as field manager?

A:I was attracted to the organization and the vision that John sold to me in our first conversation. I have wanted to coach in the Northwoods League since I played in the league in 2013. So getting the chance to come into the league and represent the city of Green Bay, was a no brainer. My goals are to help guys become the best version of themselves every single day. I also want to play post season baseball and get hot at the right time at the end of the summer.

 

How would you describe your coaching philosophy, and how do you plan to connect with players coming from all different college programs?

A:I am a players coach. I want to get to know guys, understand their goals, and then show up every single day and help them attack their goals. Having players come from different places and different programs is always super fun. I end up getting the chance to take lots of really good things away from the summer because I get to be exposed to how several amazing programs do things. Connecting with players is something that I really enjoy about coaching. The end goal is to get guys to hit, throw, and run well enough to win games. However, in my experience you have to get to know players off of the field in order to unlock things on the field.

 

Summer ball is a unique environment — how do you balance player development with maintaining a competitive edge during a short season?

A:That balance is something that we are always trying to find. I am a big believer in early work. It allows us to work on things with players without the worry of failing in the game. Our goal is to get 1% better every single day and see the fruit of our hard work over time. So we talk a lot about the fact that, guys aren’t going to go from good to great in a day. It is a process and it takes time. Good news for us, we have 72 games to see those adjustments pay off.

 

What do you look for in a player both on and off the field when building your lineup or clubhouse culture?

A: The first thing I want is the person. I am a big believer in clubhouse culture. We want guys that are all in for the team and want to see their teammates succeed. Obviously, we want to find a balance of guys who can hit and throw and run and be good teammates. But in my experience, the kid that is a great teammate and wants to work harder than anyone else, is going to be a guy that see’s success and is everybody’s favorite teammate.

 

Who is your favorite baseball player of all time?

A:I am a huge Dodgers fan. Clayton Kershaw has been my guy for as long as I can remember. I also grew up watching Shawn Green hitting tanks in Dodger stadium and handing out his game worn batting gloves to kids in the stadium. Currently, Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani are my guys that I love to watch.

 

If the Rockers had a team theme song that played every time you walked onto the field, what would it be and why?

A:Thunderstruck by AC/DC always fires me up when I am at the baseball field.

 

What is your go-to ballpark superstition, or game day ritual?

A:I am not insanely superstitious. However, I always put my right sock on before my left and my right shoe on before my left. Outside of that, I am more of a routine guy. I am a little bit of a creature of habit. I like routines and seem to follow them to a tee.

 

Let’s say the Rockers are in a rain delay and you have to entertain the crowd — what’s your hidden talent or party trick?

A:I learned how to juggle when I was 11 or 12. So I have always been able to juggle and when I’m at the field there seems to be tons of objects to juggle (Baseballs, bats, etc).

 

 

Tickets for the 2025 season are available online at www.greenbayrockers.com or by calling the ticket office at 920-497-7225 to reserve your seats today. The Rockers front office and Team Apparel Fan Shop at Capital Credit Union Park are located at 2231 Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm and all game days from 8:30am through the end of the 3rd inning.

###

The Green Bay Rockers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 350 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com  and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.greenbayrockers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rockers as your favorite team.