MCC baseball: A family tradition
Andrew Wild
Thunderbird baseball has become tradition for two families. Brett Merriman and Paul Swingle played together in the late ‘80s under coach Cirelli before going on to the MLB, and now their sons are teammates here at MCC.
Paul Swingle played at MCC and GCU before being drafted by the Angels. “I had a great time playing for MCC.
We had a winning tradition, which always makes things fun. My uncle Steve played at MCC too, so it’s kind of a three generation tradition you could say,” he said.
His son, MCC sophomore and catcher Steve Swingle, is from Keene HS in New Hampshire. “His dad called me and told me about him, but really undersold him. This kid has a whole lot of power,” coach Tony Cirelli said.
“My dad was one of the few guys that had kids, and we got to hang out in the locker room with the pros. I have a lot of good memories. It was me and my brothers’ life,” Steve Swingle said about growing up with a professional athlete father. “It was tough because we didn’t get to see him much, but when we did it was a blast.” Steve Swingle has seven brothers and two sisters.
Brett Merriman played with Swingle at MCC before going to the big leagues to play for the Twins, Rockies, Angels and Padres. Now his son Alec Merriman, a freshman pitcher from Gilbert HS, is following in his father’s T-bird footsteps.
“Coach Cirelli coached my dad also, so he’s got some funny stories he tells us. It’s a lot of fun,” Alec Merriman said.
“The first things I held in my hands were a baseball signed by the Rockies and a glove, so it’s been my life since I was born … I have a lot of great stories and cool memories that I can look at and try to live up to.
“It is a lot to live up to, but it’s cool,” Alec Merriman said about his major league childhood.
Steve Swingle has prospects, including Central Michigan and Texas A&M among others.
Alec Merriman said as long as he can keep playing, he’ll play anywhere.
They both hope to live up to their fathers’ success.
“I’m excited that he has the opportunity to play for such a respected team in a respected league,” Paul Swingle said. “If you have people that work hard on a team, you’re going to be successful.”
