Grand Lake Mariners head coach Mike Roberts has worked with several memorable baseball teams during his lengthy coaching career, and he believes this summer’s group belongs among them.

Roberts said the Mariners have separated themselves through their humility, preparation and willingness to work together. He has also praised the players for remaining engaged when they are not in the lineup and staying prepared throughout each game.

Roberts is in his first season leading the Mariners after a coaching career that included more than 20 seasons as the head coach at North Carolina.

During his time with the Tar Heels, Roberts led the program to two College World Series appearances and five Atlantic Coast Conference regular-season championships. He later coached in collegiate summer baseball and worked as a baserunning consultant for several Major League Baseball organizations.

Roberts said the Mariners’ chemistry and approach have made the team one of the special groups he has encountered during his career.