Whit Merrifield

Whitley David Merrifield, also known as Whit, plays professional baseball primarily as a second baseman and outfielder. This American-born player, gifted in both speed and defensive skills, was a three-time All-Star who led the American League in stolen bases on three occasions. Before making a significant impact with the Atlanta Braves in Major League Baseball (MLB), Merrifield also lent his incredible skills to the Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Born into the frosty climes of January 24, 1989, Merrifield’s eventual journey into baseball commenced in a small town called Mocksville, North Carolina, where he pursued his academic endeavors at Davie County High School. He subsequently enrolled at the University of South Carolina and played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2008 to 2010. His prosperous collegiate career saw him boasting impressive stats such as recording a .329 batting average, 27 home runs, and racking up a school record 26-game hitting streak in 2010. During the 2010 College World Series championship series’ second game, Merrifield’s game-winning RBI single during the 11th inning returned the championship trophy to South Carolina.

Upon successful completion of his college education, Merrifield began his professional journey when the Kansas City Royals carted him during the ninth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft. His first professional debut had him playing with the Burlington Bees, hitting a .253 average along with five home runs and 26 RBIs across 47 games. Following his initiation, Merrifield embarked on an extensive career spanning the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and the Omaha Storm Chasers, demonstrating his skill in multiple clubs within the MLB community.

In 2016, he debuted in the Major Leagues, his first hit coming off of David Price, and won the starting second baseman job from Omar Infante. His rookie season had its remarkable moments, including a tribute song and video titled “Cool Whit.” Regardless of his temporary option back to Omaha, Merrifield completed his start year with an impressive .283 average.

Over the next couple of years, Merrifield spent his seasons between Omaha and Kansas City, contributing stellar performances. In 2017, he championed the American League with 34 stolen bases – the lowest total for a leader since 1962. By 2018, he led the major leagues with 192 hits, 45 stolen bases and in 2019, topped the charts for games, at bats, singles, triples, line drive percentages and garnered attention for his high steal rate yet again.

In the whirlwind year of 2020, Merrifield adjusted to the Covid-shortened season, finishing with a .282 average and nine home runs for the Royals. The following year, he proved his immense value at second base, winning a Fielding Bible Award for defensive excellence.

A change of scenery occurred for Merrifield in August 2022, when he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, only to be hampered due to Canada’s strict COVID-19 regulations. Merrifield, upon sorting out his vaccination status, then transitioned smoothly into Canadian territory. In 2022, he was the only qualified batter not to be hit by a pitch, further bolstering his value.

When the 2023 season wrapped up, Merrifield had become a highly sought-after free agent. The Philadelphia Phillies subsequently pursued and signed him to a one-year, $8 million contract in February 2024. Unfortunately, he struggled during his tenure with the Phillies and was released in July of the same year.

Undeterred, he signed a major league contract with the Atlanta Braves shortly after his release. Merrifield’s expansive career heated up when he was selected by the MLB All-Stars at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.

Off the dusty diamond, Merrifield anchored his personal life when he married his longtime girlfriend, Jordan Michael, on December 28, 2019. He hails from a baseball tradition as his father, Bill, played college baseball for Wake Forest University, and spent six seasons in Minor League Baseball, primarily as a third baseman. Bill’s briefactive roster presence of the Pittsburgh Pirates in September 1987 without making an actual MLB appearance rendered him a phantom ballplayer— a unique distinction in baseball history. In summary, Whitley David Merrifield’s ongoing professional journey portrays the strong sportsman that he is, unique with his speed and exceptional skills.