Our coaching philosophy centers on teaching the game the right way through age-appropriate instruction, purposeful reps, and clear expectations. We focus on strong fundamentals, growing baseball IQ, and building the confidence players need to compete, take smart risks, and keep improving.
Fundamentals First
We teach proper mechanics, movement, and technique so players build a solid foundation and develop long-term success.
Grow Game IQ
Players learn to think the game, make good decisions, and understand baseball on a deeper level.
Confidence Through Coaching
We coach with positivity and purpose, helping players take healthy risks, embrace challenges, and grow on and off the field.
Our Coaching Staff
Our coaches bring different playing, coaching, and athletic experiences to the Cannons, but share one goal: helping players develop, compete, and love the game.
We coach with clear expectations, positive instruction, and a focus on helping players become more skilled, confident, and independent on the field.
Our coaching team brings different experiences and strengths to the Cannons, but shares one goal: helping our players grow, compete, and love the game.
head coach, Chris merchant
Asst. Coach jason whitacre
Asst. Coach nick merchant
club coordinator, heather merchant
Head Coach | Chris Merchant
Coach Chris brings years of playing and coaching experience to the Cannons. A four-year varsity player and multi-year team captain, he competed in the Junior College World Series, earning All-Tournament Team honors, and later played at the Division II level, where he was a two-time Pitcher of the Year. He went on to play for the Front Royal Cardinals in the Valley Baseball League, earning All-Star honors as a pitcher.
As a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association, Chris stays active in coaching clinics and development programs, bringing quality, well-informed instruction to the Cannons with a focus on strong fundamentals, baseball IQ, confidence, and competitive development.
Assistant Coach | Jason Whitacre
Coach Jason brings playing experience, years of youth coaching, and a genuine love for the game. He has served as a head coach in recreational baseball and as an assistant coach in travel ball. Jason brings great energy and positivity to the field while helping players build confidence, compete, and grow their understanding of the game.
Assistant coach | Nick Merchant
Coach Nick works part-time with the Cannons, specializing in hitting instruction. A Sherando High School Sports Hall of Fame inductee for baseball, football, and swimming, he was also named the Winchester Star Baseball Player of the Year and earned multiple All-Region and All-District honors.
Nick loves giving back to local youth and brings a fun, energetic coaching style that connects easily with our players.
Club Coordinator | Heather merchant
Heather manages the behind-the-scenes operations of the Cannons, from scheduling, fields, and team communication to uniforms, sponsors, events, and everything in between. She loves building the community around the team and making sure players and families have a fun, organized experience.
Interested in becoming a cannon?
Our Fall 2026 roster is currently full, but we're always interested in connecting with players and families who may be a good fit for the Cannons.
Join our Player Interest List to hear about future roster opportunities, open workouts, tryouts, and upcoming Cannons opportunities.
