Merritt was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1957. He played 5 seasons in the Braves' farm system, finally reaching triple-A in 1961. After the 1961 season, he was drafted by the expansion Houston Colt .45s as their 17th pick. The #2 catcher behind ex-Pirate Hal Smith, Merritt started 51 games in his rookie season.
Before the 1963 season, he was traded to the Cubs. Although he was the Cubs 3rd-string catcher, this was the only season where he managed to stay out of the minor leagues.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PoLw8s2CAoA2QGIPC-CzGE94woZBuq6hZ5xBHcDj-hB2QtqIgeOf6kUuG-kBB1GZbcZjWppamBuE-tjl2f3WlIqp78r5loFkgyd40B5JHVKfWoNXcz6HCodpi6bs1mJGKpILjvt8yabe/s320/1966+Merritt+Ranew+(f).jpg)
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The next few seasons were spent hopping from one team to another, while playing mostly in the minor leagues: to the Braves in June 1964; to the Giants prior to the 1965 season; sold to the Angels in May 1965; sent to the Yankees prior to 1968; sent to the Pilots prior to 1969. He did not play in the major leagues from 1966 to 1968.
Ranew's final major-league season was in 1969, with the expansion Seattle Pilots. He appeared in 54 games, mostly as a pinch-hitter.
After the 1969 season, he was traded to the Senators for infielder Frank Coggins. Ranew continued in the minors for 2 more seasons before retiring.
2 comments:
He reminds me of a young Mark McGwire
My goodness, I like the colors on this card.
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