We're one fan down (or Up)...

by The Ol Goaler on Jul 17, 2007 10:43 AM EDT

with the passing of my father, Bill Merritt, of St. Louis at his home Sunday evening. He left this world surrounded by both his children, his wonderful second wife (who succeeded my late mother) and her two children.

My father had a brief baseball career as a catcher in Class "D" with the (then) Washington Senators. He passed along his love of baseball and the Cardinals to me, and some of my fondest memories of my father came at Sportsman's Park and Busch II, watching our Redbirds.

He also attempted to teach me how to play the game, but as I could neither hit, run, throw, hit for power, nor field, he settled for teaching me the game... which has brought me much joy through the years. (He was pleasantly amazed when I turned out to be a pretty good street-hockey goalie in my teens... it seems I had inherited my Dad's quick hands!)

His burial is scheduled for this Thursday in St. Louis, with any remembrances requested to be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Association.

So, while there's one less Cardinal fan on this Earth, there's one more Birdfan in Heaven!

Tweet Comment 15 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

may he rest in peace

sorry for your loss, Ol Goaler. it sounds as if he didn't get cheated --- sounds like he lived long and lived fully.

by lboros on Jul 17, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

He sounds like a great guy

My condolences to you and your family.

by Calhoun on Jul 17, 2007 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Best to you

and your family getting through the loss, OG. At least he made it long enough to see one more World Championship.

by rockin redbird on Jul 17, 2007 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Sorry for your loss, Goaler.

Ask him to say hi to Jack and the rest for us.

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 17, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions

goaler

as one who enjoys reading everything you post here, and also one who has lost their father, i respectfully give you my sympathy, may he rest in peace

Pujols is the greatest Cardinal in my lifetime.

by bigcardsfan5 on Jul 17, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

condolences

to you and yours.

Future Redbirds

by azruavatar on Jul 17, 2007 11:40 AM EDT reply actions

You have

my condolences also. My father passed away seven years ago (cancer), but he was surrounded by family as well. Baseball is a wonderful thing, it has so much power to bind us to the generations that went before us. You'll be in my prayers.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 17, 2007 11:55 AM EDT reply actions

My condolences

It sounds like you're thankful for the memories. You should be. Take him w/ you every time you go to the park or sit down to watch a game!

by chuckb on Jul 17, 2007 12:48 PM EDT reply actions

Best Wishes Goaler

Condolences during your time of grief. 2006 is extra special for you now.

"Tyler's gonna bust a nut on some babies tonight!" - Tyler Johnson (as told by Alex Fritz)

by Mr Redbird on Jul 17, 2007 1:50 PM EDT reply actions

My condolences Goaler

At least he got to see one more WS championship, right? Maybe he can hook up with my dad and swap Cardinals memories.
My brother's wife has MS, so I'm quite familiar with it. I will definitely make a donation in your dad's name.

"It's always about money; anyone who says it's not is lying."- Gene Simmons

by cardsrul on Jul 17, 2007 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

RIP

The St Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champs!

by Zubin on Jul 17, 2007 2:55 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks

for sharing with us.

My condolences to you and your family.

by silent_bob on Jul 17, 2007 4:04 PM EDT reply actions

Ol Goaler

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My own father is still alive, but my maternal grandfather was that person to me. He taught me everything I know about the game, and he still pops up in mind every once in a while when I'm looking at a pitcher's hand break or something else.

My best wishes to you and all your family. Just remember the good, let the bad go, and use all that he gave you as you go forward.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 17, 2007 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

Condolences

This sport is something to be shared, that's part of why it is so special. Thank you for the bit of the personal insight, and I'm sorry for your loss.

by Valatan on Jul 17, 2007 11:57 PM EDT reply actions

Our thoughts are with you and your family

My deepest sympathies for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful father.

And thanks for sharing that story. Now we know why you call yourself "The Ol Goaler". Our thoughts will be with you and your family this Thursday when he is laid to rest.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Jul 18, 2007 2:20 AM EDT reply actions