Last updated on: August 11, 2025
Bill Merrifield is most famous as the father of Major League Baseball player Whit Merrifield. But prior to that, Bill had his own remarkable career in baseball. From college play all the way to coaching his son, Bill has remained very close to the game. Let’s examine who he is, what he’s accomplished, and how he assisted in building his son’s career.
Quick Facts About Bill Merrifield
| Full Name | Bill Merrifield |
| Birthdate | 1960 |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Occupation | Former baseball player; Assistant Athletic Director at Wake Forest University |
| Husband/Wife | Married to Kissy Merrifield |
| Education | Wake Forest University |
| Parents | Not known |
| Siblings | Not known |
| Children | Whit Merrifield, Hite Merrifield (sons), Costner Merrifield (daughter) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
A Star at Wake Forest
Bill Merrifield played college baseball at Wake Forest University. He was a third baseman and one of the top players on the team. He won numerous awards, including ACC Player of the Year—not once, but twice. He even won the ACC Triple Crown, which is to say that he led the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in.
Due to his excellent performance, Bill was selected in the second round of the MLB draft by the California Angels.
Life in the Minor Leagues
Following college, Bill lasted six seasons in Minor League Baseball. He played for a number of teams, such as the Edmonton Trappers. In 1987, he was on the active roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates. But he never appeared in a Major League game. This rendered him what some refer to as a “phantom ballplayer”—a player who belonged to the team but didn’t see any action.
His career in baseball came to an end when he was about 26 years old. Despite not attaining the MLB, Bill’s passion for the sport never faded.
Working at Wake Forest
Bill went back to Wake Forest University after he retired from baseball. This time, however, he took on a different role, this one off the field. Bill was an assistant athletic director. He currently works in fundraising and assists the baseball program. He continues to assist student-athletes and remains close to the sport he loves.
Family Life
Bill Merrifield is married to Kissy Merrifield. She also comes from a sporting background. Kissy was born and raised in South Carolina, and she was the youngest of six children. Her mother was a tennis coach, and Kissy took after her. Kissy won 10 state championships at tennis and qualified for a scholarship to Wake Forest, where she met Bill.
Bill and Kissy have three children together:
Whit Merrifield – a famous MLB player
Hite Merrifield – was an athlete at Wake Forest
Costner Merrifield – is a real estate broker
Whit and his wife Jordan Michael had their first child, a daughter, in 2024.
A Strong Mentor for Whit
Bill was not just a father—he was also a coach and mentor to Whit. He began coaching Whit when he was 12 years old. He taught him to work hard and never expect anything for free. Bill’s biggest lesson was: “You’ve got to earn everything.”
Whit considered giving up baseball in 2015. He was frustrated and uncertain. But sitting down with his dad made all the difference. Bill told Whit stories about his own career and advised him not to quit. That conversation kept Whit in the game—and it took him to the Major Leagues.
READ ALSO: Whit Merrifield Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
A Life Around Baseball
Bill Merrifield has lived and breathed baseball his entire life. He was a college standout, a minor league ballplayer, a coach, and now an administrator at a college. But above all else, he’s been a supportive dad and good role model.
Whit Merrifield frequently says he would not be where he is today without his dad. Bill’s tale demonstrates that even if your goal changes, you can still have ways to make a significant difference.
