5 Super Athletes With Ties To Merrimack

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Merrimack area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Mickey Gasper (Baseball)

Merrimack native Mickey Gasper has carved out a versatile career in baseball, earning recognition as a switch-hitting utility player. After an impressive 2024 minor league season split between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester, where he posted a .328 batting average and a .970 OPS, Gasper made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox. As of December 2024, Gasper has been acquired by the Minnesota Twins.

2. Katie Morgis (Softball)

A cornerstone of Merrimack College’s softball dynasty, Katie Morgis led her team to four NCAA tournament appearances, four NE-10 regular season titles and three conference tournament championships. The 2024 Hall of Fame inductee and two-time All-American set numerous program records, including career batting average, hits and RBIs, and remains the only player in school history with multiple top spots for single-season hitting stats.

3. Tim Schaller (Ice Hockey)

Merrimack native Tim Schaller enjoyed a 10-year professional hockey career, including stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings. Known for his defensive skills, Schaller played 293 NHL games, tallying 60 points and captained Providence College during his collegiate career. After retiring in 2023, he transitioned to coaching and now serves as an assistant coach for Rivier University’s men’s ice hockey team.

4. Kerri Berquist (Field Hockey)

As a standout goalkeeper for Merrimack College, Kerri Bergquist shattered program records, including career saves, shutouts and save percentage. The 2023 Hall of Fame inductee earned All-American and Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors during her storied career, highlighted by a six-game shutout streak and a school-record 17 wins in a single season.

5. Ryan O’Rourke (Baseball)

Ryan O’Rourke, a Worcester native and Merrimack College alumnus, retired from professional baseball after a career that included MLB stints with the Twins and Mets. The left-handed reliever, known for his strikeout prowess and competitive spirit, set Merrimack’s all-time strikeout record and earned numerous accolades, including a Rawlings Gold Glove. O’Rourke now imparts his knowledge as a volunteer assistant coach at Holy Cross in Worcester.

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