Whit Merrifield is officially hanging up his cleats, but he will always be a hero in garnet and black. The South Carolina baseball legend and College World Series champion announced his retirement from baseball on Tuesday with a heartfelt post on social media, closing the book on a remarkable nine-year MLB career.
“I was never talented enough to just show up and play,” Merrifield wrote. “Baseball required my full focus and energy… and I realize I can no longer give that effort. At this point in life, I’d much rather chase around a toddler than chase sliders.”
Congratulations on an amazing run @WhitMerrifield. We’re beyond grateful to have been a part of the journey every step of the way.#TeamWSM pic.twitter.com/MW6zgsxnXJ
— Warner Sports Management (@WSM_Baseball) June 24, 2025
Merrifield and his wife welcomed a baby girl in March of last year, and that life-changing moment seemed to have helped guide his decision to step away from the game.
But let's rewind to where it all began: Omaha 2010.
With the National Championship on the line, Merrifield delivered one of the most iconic moments in South Carolina baseball history, a walk-off single to win the College World Series over UCLA. That hit launched Gamecock baseball into a dynasty.
In three seasons in Columbia, Merrifield hit .329 with 27 homeruns and 117 RBIs in 195 games. He consistently showcased his versatility and grit that defined his career. From infield to outfield, leadoff to middle, Whit did it all.
Merrifield was drafted in the ninth round by the Kansas City Royals just a few months after his title-clenching hit and never looked back. He debuted in 2016 and became a staple in Kansas City as he became a two-time MLB hits leader in 2018 and 2019 and a three-time All-Star (including his final one in 2023). And his career stats speak for themselves:
- .280 batting average
- 1,249 hits
- 94 home runs
- 485 RBIs
- 218 stolen bases
- 1,147 MLB games
Merrifield led MLB in steals three times, while he played every single game for three straight seasons from 2019-2021. Even after bouncing from Toronto to Philidelphia to Atlanta, his professionalism and work ethic never wavered. His final professional appearance was on September 30, 2024, in a double header that helped send the Atlanta Braves to the postseason.
Whit Merrifield may have racked up some major stats across the country, but he will forever be glorified in Columbia for that swing in Omaha. He has represented the University of South Carolina with class and pride. Congratulation, Whit! Your Gamecock legacy is forever etched in history.