“Hey batter, batter, ...swing batter” .. Chatter from Left Field

“Hey batter, batter, ...swing batter” .. Chatter from Left Field New Exhibit Opening on Saturday, April 12th The Merrill Museum & Historical Society is putting together a fresh new spring exhibit. Just in time for the baseball season. There will be a grand opening celebration of “Chatter from Left Field” featuring the Merrill Lady Cardinals (1943-1945) and the Merrill Rangers (1948-1962) baseball teams on Saturday, April 12th. We look forward to sharing the stories of baseball history that brought the community together as they cheered on our local teams. From the inception of the Lady Cardinals during WWII to the regrouping of the Merrill Merchants into the successful semi-pro Merrill Rangers team of the 1950s . There will be some interactive displays, with fun games and prizes for the opening— including a dice baseball playoff between Tom Burg and Bill Heideman—both rabid baseball fans. You too can take a turn at trying to beat one of these dice baseball greats. Games will be for sale as well. We are looking for memorabilia for the local teams (especially Lady Cardinals and the Merrill Rangers). If you have any photographs or artifacts that you would be willing to loan the Historical Museum for the exhibit, please contact us through email (merrillpast@gmail.com) or phone (715-536-5652) or stop in and chat. We will need these items by March 14th. There is an opportunity for you to put yourself, a father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, child, grandchild….you get the idea… in the “stands” of the exhibit. This exhibit will be up for two years and if you hurry to sign up before April 4th, it will only cost $5 for each photograph. After that date, the cost of joining the fans in the stands will be $20 for each photograph. You may submit an old photograph if you like, a current photograph, or come in and have your photo taken at the Museum. These will be head shots as shown. Please call or email for information on how to submit your photograph or have one taken. We would like your commitment ASAP. These spots may sell out so be sure to get in early. The photograph will be approximately 8 1/2” wide by 11” high, featured similarly to the photograph shown. You may add a name if you like. Sponsors already on board for this exhibit are: Weinbrenner USA Shoe Company, Westside Market, The Beacon, Reindl Printing, Lincolnwood, and Park City Credit Union…with more to come. Contact Brandon Johnson or Pat Burg at the Merrill Historical Society, 715-536-5652, or Merrillpast@gmail.com for more information.