Writer's second hall of fame induction prompts another column for his grandsons

Nearly five years ago, I wrote a column for my oldest grandson Graham who was getting ready to attend his grandfather's induction into the South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

The headline read — Dear Graham: Do you think you'll care that your grandfather is a Hall of Famer? My guess, since he was not much more than a month old at the time, that he really didn't. If I recall, he slept comfortably and didn't make a scene.

The time has come for a second column, not so much because his grandfather is going to be inducted tonight (Friday) into the Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame but because Graham isn't the lone grandchild anymore for myself and my wife Kris (Nana K). Graham's younger brother Jax isn't quite 3 yet but has certainly created a unique bond with his older brother and with his grandparents and Auntie Quinn, our youngest daughter.

Graham and Jax are the sons of our oldest daughter Brittany and her husband Justin and they'll be on hand to witness "The Old Man" getting chance to make another speech in front of many people. If my count is accurate, this will my third big speech, as long as I don't count any of the speeches I gave during the my high school and college days.

The first speech (Father of the Bride) came during Brittany and Justin's wedding. The second speech came during that previous hall of fame ceremony that was held in October of 2019 in Flandreau. The third speech, which I've been practicing but will probably follow the same "wing it" philosophy that is much my nature.

Put it this way. I'm a Merriam and even through I tell friends and acquaintances that I was once a very shy guy during the high school days, they don't believe me. Why? Put a micophone, or a phone or any talking instrument, in front of me and watch me come alive like the Energizer Bunny.

But this isn't necessarily about my hall of fame induction and I ask for forgiveness from my fellow inductees Eric Danforth, Mike Murphy and the late Bill Horning for me having the opportunity to write something like this when they don't.

More: Dear Graham: Do you think you'll care that your grandfather is a Hall of Famer?

This induction is a little different than my previous one, although it really isn't. I'm listed as being inducted as a contributor, a combination of 40 years as a sports writer covering baseball for the Public Opinion and also the past 21 years as an umpire for the WBA. Still, it should be noted, that I spent my first 14 years in Watertown as player-manager and/or player-assistant manager for Watertown amateur baseball teams.

But the Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame was in part started to honor those who came up through the Watertown baseball system. I was a college graduate before I played a game wearing a jersey with "Watertown" splashed across the front.

There is no doubt that few people have spent as much time at Watertown Stadium either covering baseball, playing baseball or umpiring baseball these past 40 years or even at any point in time. I feel honored that the Watertown Baseball Association has presented me with this honor.

Watertown Baseball Hall of Fame Video: https://www.facebook.com/post17baseball/videos/1114245522916729

My oldest grandson Graham is nearly 5 now, a really smart and clever youngster who has pieced together complicated jigsaw puzzles for years and now does the same with Legos. My youngest grandson Jax might be wearing a matching outfit with his brother, but there are many differences. The kid always seems to smile and who knew all he really needed for Christmas was a real-life vacuum cleaner and not a couple of plastic toys.

This column is for you Jax. I owed you. Brother Graham got his column. Brother Jax now gets his.

Check out the headline. Dear Jax: Do you think you'll care that your grandfather is a hall of famer again?

There may have been a time when I would have thought it'd be cool that these two grandsons of mine continue the Merriam tradition of playing and being associated with baseball. But they can be whatever they want to be and they need to know that I'd prefer to be known as a Hall of Fame Grandfather.

I'm sure grandparents everywhere can relate. Let's keep it fair. Brother Graham had his turn and now brother Jax gets his.

Thanks guys for coming. Be nice to each other, enjoy the meal and hopefully "Papa Roger" doesn't put you or anybody else to sleep.

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Younger grandson Jax gets his turn just like his brother Graham did