Caden Merrill Turns Scary Injury Into A Nod On The Baseball Dream Team
(Leadwood) After a nasty knee injury suffered at the end of basketball season, Caden Merrill returned to the diamond, helped West County get to the Class Three Quarterfinals, and earned a spot on the Baseball Dream Team.
Merrill was a perfect 6-0 on the mound and picked up a save in 43.1 innings pitched. At the plate, he had a .389 batting average and nine extra-base-hits. Merrill was happy to see his name on the Dream Team.
Merrill was injured in the district basketball tournament and had to be stretchered off the court after a 30 minute delay. At that time, doctors said he may not make it back for summer baseball. Merrill was prepared to do whatever it took to play out his senior season.
West County coach Bobby Simily was named the Baseball Dream Team Coach of the Year. Simily described his guys as always being “even keeled”. Merrill echoes that statement.
In the district championship this season, Merrill got the start against Valle Catholic and threw 6.2 innings of two-run ball before reaching his pitch limit. West County won the game 6-3. Merrill says that’s his favorite high school game.
Merrill wanted to give some thanks.
Merrill was named first team all-state in Class Three as a utility player. West County ended the year at 20-5.
Full interview:
