At Delaware: Will share catching duties with Ryan Engelhardt • steady defender with outstanding power.

2006: Hit .284 in 33 games, including 24 starts • hit 10 home runs in only 95 at-bats • set a new Delaware record for chances in a season without an error with 168 • threw out 14 of 27 attempted base stealers • posted two homers and five RBI in the Hens last two games.

High School: Three-year letterwinner at South Plainfield High School for coach Ray Ciecwisz • named Rookie of the Year in 2003 • named defensive player of the year as a sophomore and junior • named all-state, all-county and all-conference as a senior • also named offensive player of the year as a senior • team won division championship with a record of 20-7.

Personal: William Joseph Merkler • born January 12, 1987 • son of Robert and Doreen Merkler • older brother Bobby, 23, is a teacher who coaches baseball and football at Edison High School in Edison, NJ • favorite food is sushi • enjoys hunting and spending time at the beach • criminal justice major at Delaware.