Winners:
- 2022: John Merrill
- 2023: Pat Biemer
- 2024: John Merrill
- 2025: John Merrill
Championship teams are built when everyone moves in the same direction with the same purpose, and MVP is no exception.
Across six titles, one on-field constant has held everything together. John Merrill, whose heart and hustle have shaped every version of this club.
From MVP’s originations, John was there. His passion oozes from the stories he tells: Wynkoop denting the high school roof, scars from Osik’s throws, and the crumbs of MVP lore that still captivate the clubhouse.
Long before the league tracked anything, Merrill was patrolling the outfield, diving whenever he could, and probably hitting the cutoff man. He was kind of player every good team has and every great team leans on. And as the years called for him to evolve, he did what he always does: whatever was best for the team.
Season after season, One Leg warms up teammates, coaches bases, cheers the loudest, and plays with an unmatched love for the game, like a kid. Even now, he leaves the field covered in dirt with his mom still watching.
In 2022, Merrill survived a boat explosion, and, yes, this really did happen. And, yet, not even one year later, he delivered one of the finest performances in MVP history: seven (7) hits in as many at-bats against the Goblins, tying the then-single game hits record.
Remarkable, but never surprising, as showing up has always been his defining trait.
For years, MVP handed out a Nicest Guy award, but nothing that honored the people who built our culture. That changed in 2022 with the creation of the John Merrill Teammate of the Year Award.
Since then, he has won the award all but once, and for obvious reason.
In 2025, it was John’s hit that sparked the rally, and John’s hustle that sealed the championship. And even when that other leg finally graduates to a 60+ league, his presence and his willingness to play wherever we need him will continue to define what a championship culture looks like.
After the most recent title, in which he scored the winning run, He reflected simply.
“You allowed us to keep playing the game we love.”
One Leg
That sentiment is the foundation of the John Merrill Teammate of the Year Award. An honor that recognizes not just contribution, but continuity. Not just effort, but care.
Merrill did not just help build MVP. He is the reason it has lasted.
One Leg is the all-time games played leader (132).
MVP Brew Crew Softball Club 