By Steve Svetovich

Dunmore outfielder-pitcher Jamie McMynne credits experience, repetitions, and his hitting coach Eric Lenz for his strong improvement at the plate this past season.

Son of Paul and Beth McMynne, Jamie, as a sophomore, was among the Dunmore Bucks leaders in most hitting categories this past baseball season.

The sophomore stalwart also credited pitching coach John Kranick for his development as a pitcher.

He credited Dunmore veteran baseball coach Mike “Sid” Hallinan for helping him to develop more confidence.

“Coach Hallinan teaches us a lot about the mental aspects of the game,” said Jamie.

“He tells us not to let the little things get in the way. Don’t let the little things bother us.”

Jamie, who shows great respect for the game and his coaches, has played travel baseball for the past six years for Baseball U.

“They have played a great role in my development as a baseball player,” he said.

The talented outfielder-pitcher was second in batting average on the Dunmore Bucks team at .476. He was third in on base percentage at .625. He tied Matt Iezzi and Max Forgione for the team lead in homers with two and was second in stolen bases with six. He led the team in RBIs with 12 and was second on the team in slugging percentage at .761.

Dunmore finished the season with an overall record of 9-10.

A right-hander, Jamie started a few games on the mound showing improvement as the season progressed.

“I was a little shaky in the beginning,” he said. “But I got better. I hope to show more improvement as a pitcher next season.”

He talked about his vast improvement as a hitter.

“Getting a really good hitting coach helped a lot,” he said, “Eric Lenz was my hitting coach and he worked a lot with me on my hitting. I also had to get used to the pitchers and velocity changes. It took a lot of at bats. Lots of repetitions always help the most.”

Hard-working and consistent, Jamie said his parents are always huge supporters.

“My parents teach me to always be respectful. They teach me about hard work and dedication. My parents always tell me good things take time.”

Jamie is an honor student at Dunmore. He said his best academic subject is science.

The swift sophomore talked about what it takes to excel in the outfield.

“Number one, you need to be fast,” he said. “That sets you apart. You need to be able to reach in and keep in front of the ball.”

Jamie said Dunmore has been a good experience for him. “It’s been pretty good,” he said. “I’ve lived here my whole life. This is what I know.”

Jamie said he likes listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Drake in concert.

He is already looking forward to next baseball season. “I think we are going to have a very good team,” he said. “Most of the team will be back. We will have mostly returning starters.”

He talked about his future aspirations. “I am thinking about studying engineering in college. I definitely want to play college baseball.

“I wanted to earn a college degree while continuing to play baseball. I want to have a successful life and family.

‘In the meantime, I want to help this Dunmore baseball team win a district title.”