The Whit Merrifield story begins on July 8, 2015. Or, to be more accurate, it should have began on July 8, 2015. After barely losing in the final game of the 2014 World Series, the 2015 Kansas City Royals were on a mission: run it back, but win it all.
On July 8, though, the Royals found themselves in a precipitous spot. Star player Alex Gordon injured his groin attempting to make a catch in deep left field. Shortly thereafter, Merrifield, playing in Omaha for the Triple-A Stormchasers, was yanked out of the game for no apparent reason.