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Merv Rettenmund
1943 - 2024
Merv Rettenmund
1943 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2024
Merv Rettenmund Obituary
Merv Rettenmund was a 13-year veteran of Major League Baseball who won two World Series rings playing with two different 1970s dynasties – the powerhouse Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati's Big Red Machine – then a third coaching the 1990s Oakland Athletics.
We invite you to share condolences for Merv Rettenmund in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Rick Scuteri/MLB via Getty Images)
12 Entries
Bob Stanelle
August 16, 2025
I was fortunate to attend Ball State at the same time has Merv and he became a good friend. He was just an all around nice guy who was a confident guy but never ego driven in any way. Just a great guy who never treated anyone a beneath him though he was clearly the BMOC. When he reached the majors, he treated everyone as a friend. I was from Milwaukee and when Merv was in the city I often went down to his hotel and sat with him and other players in a general bull session. He came to my house for dinner. My mother was bartender in a bar owned by my brother and he would come over after games with several teammates and relax until closing time. My mother made sure no one bothered them and they could relax in peace.They called her "Ma" and offered her and my younger brother tickets.Come three in the morning my sister would take them all back to their hotel, first topping at George Webb's on the way! A great friend to me and my family just because they were my family. My mother loved him because he was just that kind of guy. When I played a little freshman ball at Ball State, Merv was the one that always believed in me and encouraged me the most. He used to call me "Johnny U" because of my QB skills in the fields behind Elliot Hall. That was our little inside joke because of my love for the Packers and Bart Starr. I could go on and on. Simply put, I loved the guy, my family loved the guy, the greatest all around athlete I ever knew who never let his ego get in the way of his many friendships. Rest in peace, my friend.
Paul Piccotti
June 24, 2025
Merv was one of my all time favorite Orioles. God bless you Merv.
Sandra Stanelle
June 7, 2025
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Merv was a college friend with my older brother Bob and when he played in Milwaukee would get us tickets and take time to visit. He was a great guy and I'm sure will be missed by many. Sandy Stanelle
eddie watt
March 2, 2025
i am so very sorry. merv and i were friends since playing together for many years in baltimore, and venezuela. we ran into each other many times coaching. i will miss him greatly.
eddie watt
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Jack Amie MD
December 29, 2024
Merv was the best athlete I ever saw from Badminton to Baseball. We played sand lot baseball at Lakeside Park in Flint and as a catcher he always had something to say to the opposing batter often leaving them in tears. He also played trumpet with me at Christmas services at our church in Flint.He was truly multitalented! RIP good friend.. Jack Amie MD
RB
December 13, 2024
A great baseball player and coach that had a successful and long running career with good teams. Sincere condolences to the Rettermund family, so very sorry for your loss, May God be with you all in your time of loss.
David Hutson
December 12, 2024
Merv was my uncle, and he always took time to show interest in me. It was very special to a young boy who grew up in the 60's , to have an uncle who ,not only played pro ball, but played for the great teams he did! Merv gave me his old glove, and we would always play catch when he would be in town. My buddies would always be hanging around, and their envy was obvious. Merv would always leave tickets for us at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Once, we visited him and Aunt Susan in Baltimore. He got me, and my Dad into the clubhouse after a game. I even got one of Brooks Robinsons broken bats. When I broke my arm in 5th grade, Merv took the time to send me a get well card, signed by the entire team! Years later he gave me a ball signed by the entire A's team, as a gift for a special needs co-worker who LOVED The A's. Merv was a hero. He died on my birthday. It was the same week that saw another of my heroes, Rocky Colavito, pass. RIP Merv
David Hutson
December 12, 2024
Merv was my uncle. My first memory of him is of a visit to Ball State University, where he and my aunt, Susan, attended college. I remember seeing Merv play fullback for them. I was nine or ten, so Merv was already a big deal in my eyes.
Ron Pruitt
December 12, 2024
As a friend of Mervs cousins Larry and Mel , I share their grief at Merv´s passing. As a boy growing up in our hometown of Flint Michigan , Merv´s success on the football field and especially the baseball diamond gave me the desire to follow in his footsteps and become a Major League player. I was thrilled to be on the same field as him during my playing days. I know how much Whitey (Larry) loved his cousin and always talked about him. I wish the Rettenmund family solace in knowing Merv was a tremendous person besides a star baseball player. RIP Merv.
Jackie Mason
December 11, 2024
Sorry to hear of the passing of Merv. May God be with you and your family.
Carson Loveless
December 10, 2024
Condolences to his family
Mr. Jr.
December 9, 2024
My condolences.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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