Kent Mercker has never taken baseball, or, for that matter, his life, for granted. Many people know about the accolades: three World Series appearances, one championship and a solo no-hitter against the Dodgers, over an 18-year career. He's the most dominant pitcher to ever graduate from a Dublin City Schools and with a new MLB season starting now, we had to ask him how the Reds and Guardians seasons, respectively, might unfold. But did you know he's also been a test case for health researchers after falling to his knees on the mound and being rushed to the hospital with brain bleed?
Today, Kent is long since retired and still calls Dublin home. He still goes to the ballpark, too. A lot! He's also very open with advice for parents and young athletes on just how hard to push to get better at any sport. (Hint: always keep it fun) The other dominant force in his life these days is pickleball. Kent calls it the most addictive sport he's ever played, and he has the credentials to prove it. He's played in the U.S. Open in Florida and plans to do it again this year. In fact, you may just see him playing this spring and summer at our courts beside City Hall.