Vanguard University

The athlete: Todd is back for his second season in a Lion uniform…had a big season for the Lions in 2005…had a 3.56 ERA with a 1-7 record on the mound…started 12 games and was second on the team with 63 innings pitched…also spent time as a position player, accumulating 89 at bats for VU…hit .270 with 24 hits, nine doubles, and eight runs batted in…spent his freshman year at the University of the Pacific prior to transferring to Vanguard…played for Coach Ed Sprague Jr…first collegiate save was against Northwestern…played high school baseball at Laguna Beach H.S…named Pacific Coast League first-team in 2001 and 2002…also played football in high school…bats right…strong left-handed pitcher…above average fastball…solid breaking ball…has good life on his fastball…knows how to pitch…should earn a spot in the starting rotation…will primarily pitch in 2006.

The person: Todd Russell Merz was born on June 7, 1984 in New York City, New York to his parents Steve and Elaine Merz…has one sister Kira…nickname is “Texas”…junior Communications major…played the game for 15 years…loves to eat sushi…sports hero is Brett Favre…loves the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”…roots for the NY Giants…prefers the number 11…enjoys playing baseball, golf, and hanging out with friends…favorite TV show is “The OC”…feels the biggest problem in the world is terrorism…would like to meet Michael Jordan and Jesus…has learned from life not to take anything for granted…playing baseball has taught him to be competitive…would like to be a professional baseball player.

His thoughts: Todd selected Vanguard because of the people and the baseball program.  He likes how the people are so nice and helpful.

Coach Mallernee’s comments: We look for Todd to have a breakout season.  He is a competitor with the ability to control a game and is also an outstanding person.