Paul J. Merkel (June 14, 1922 – August 24, 2002) lived nearly all of his life in and around the Spokane, Washington area. To Whitworth College he was “Mr. Baseball.” Merkel returned from military service to Whitworth as a graduate assistant coach from 1946 to 1948. In 1956 he became head baseball coach, a position he held until 1971. His greatest coaching achievement came in 1960 when his baseball team won the N. A. I. A. National Championship. Merkel also served as athletic director from 1958-1972 and assisted with football from 1972 through 1987. He was the recipient of numerous coaching honors and awards. Upon his retirement in 1989 Whitworth College dedicated its baseball field as Merkel Field.