LINCOLN, Neb. – Former Nebraska Wesleyan University catcher/outfielder Tyler Merkel (Omaha, Neb./Millard West) made his professional baseball debut yesterday, Sunday, June 8, joining the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Merkel was signed by the RedHawks with the team currently playing the Lincoln Saltdogs in Lincoln.
Merkel, a standout behind the plate and in the outfield for the Prairie Wolves this past season, immediately joined the RedHawks for their series against the Saltdogs at Haymarket Park. In his debut, he started the game as the designated hitter and had four plate appearance, drawing a walk in his first professional at-bat.
During his senior campaign at Nebraska Wesleyan in 2025, Merkel was a critical force for the Prairie Wolves, batting .212 with 4 home runs, 4 doubles, and 12 RBIs.
You can catch Tyler and the RedHawks in action tonight against the Lincoln Saltdogs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Haymarket Park.
The American Association is an independent professional baseball league which provides a high level of competitive baseball for aspiring professionals.
