A Summer of Promise
Two rising seniors from different corners of Mercer County are carving out distinct summer paths in the amateur baseball circuit, each joining a local post team that carries the names of their hometowns.
Josh Guire, an 18‑year‑old catcher who starred for Notre Dame High this spring, has swapped the familiar confines of his school squad for the historic Bordentown Post 26, while John Kopera, a 17‑year‑old outfielder from Steinert High, has taken on a leadership role with Hamilton Post 31.
The rivalry between the two clubs erupted in a recent matchup that ended 11‑1 in favor of Bordentown, a game in which Guire’s clutch two‑run single and a sacrifice fly helped seal the victory, while Kopera managed one of Hamilton’s three hits.
Both athletes say the experience is about more than statistics; they are using the summer schedule to sharpen their games, learn from veteran teammates, and prepare for the next chapter of their baseball careers.
Guire has committed to Marywood University, where he will continue his education and play Division III baseball next season, while Kopera is setting an example for younger players by demonstrating how to blend hard work with teamwork on the field.
Their coaches and community members alike praise the duo for embodying the spirit of local baseball, noting that their dedication could inspire a new generation of players across the county.