Local baseball history to be celebrated at Merrill Museum

Merrill Museum & Historical Society will celebrate local baseball history with a new exhibit, “Chatter from Left Field.” Opening Saturday, April 12, 2025, the exhibit will spotlight two significant chapters in Merrill’s baseball story—the Lady Cardinals (1943-1945) and the Merrill Rangers (1948-1962).
The exhibit traces baseball’s role in bringing the community together, from the Lady Cardinals’ formation during World War II to the transformation of the Merrill Merchants into the successful semi-pro Rangers team of the 1950s.
The crack of the bat and cheers from the crowd echo through the Merrill Museum & Historical Society as it prepares to unveil its newest exhibit celebrating local baseball heritage.
The museum is still gathering memorabilia, particularly from the Lady Cardinals and Rangers teams. Community members with photographs or artifacts to loan should contact the museum ASAP.
And, for a limited time, residents can become part of the exhibit by having their photo or a family member’s photo included in the “stands.” These head shots will remain displayed for the exhibit’s two-year run. You may submit an old photograph if you like, a current photograph, or come in and have your photo taken at the Museum. Please call or email for information on how to submit your photograph or have one taken. Early birds who sign up before April 4 pay just $5 per photo, while later submissions cost $20 each.

Visitors to the display will also be able to do more than simply observe history. Interactive displays, games, and prizes await, including a chance to challenge local dice baseball enthusiasts Tom Burg and Bill Heideman at their own game. These baseball dice games will also be available for purchase.
The exhibit has already attracted support from local businesses including Weinbrenner USA Shoe Company, Westside Market, The Beacon, Reindl Printing, Lincoln Wood, and Park City Credit Union.
For more information, contact Brandon Johnson or Pat Burg at 715.536.5652 or merrillpast@gmail.com.