Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Brian Merkle '00 graduated from Iona as one of the most prolific power hitters in program history. Iona's all-time career and single-season home run hitter at the time of his induction, he appeared in 173 career games, batted .310 for his career with 38 home runs and 133 RBI.
In addition to his home run total, Merkle ranked in the top 10 in several statistical categories at the completion of his Iona career including: second in RBI (133) and games played (173), third in hits (164) and slugging percentage (.603), fifth in at bats (529) and doubles (41), sixth in walks (84) and seventh in runs scored (107). At the time of his induction, Merkle was the last player to hold a slugging percentage greater than .600 and only one player since has come within 10 of his home run total. His home run total set the MAAC career-home run mark, and which stood for five seasons after his graduation.
Merkle's 16 home runs in 1997 set an Iona record. Only three players since have reached double-digits and he accomplished the feat three times in his career. His .697 slugging percentage as a junior is ninth best in school history, and the highest for a Gael since that season.
Merkle was a three-time All-MAAC selection as a sophomore, junior and senior.
Merkle earned a degree in Criminal Justice from Iona's School of Arts and Science in 2000.
