Collector Richard Merkin, my Dear Friend, Has Died

[bigtrain]

I believe that it was Mr. Merkin that I met years ago at a Lelands live auction. Don't remember which one but I recall he mentioned that he had illustrated a baseball book by Lawrence Ritter. Is anyone familiar with it?

[barrysloate]

Richard was a fixture at all the Leland's auctions.

The book he did with Larry Ritter, who was one of his closest friends, was: "Leagues Apart, The Men and Times of the Negro Baseball Leagues." Richard did numerous paintings for the book.

I just flipped through the pages of my copy and saw he inscribed it :"to the Sloates with affection, R.M." Very sad.

[benjulmag]

Thank you Barry for that very moving tribute. I too knew Richard and was very saddened when Barry told me of his passing. Richard was a man with tremendous passions in all he pursued, as well as a loyal and trusting friend. I will miss him very much. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

[autograf]

Not to get too far off topic but in case you wanted to know who else was on that cover..........
http://punk-music.suite101.com/artic...t_pepper_cover



Fantastic tribute Barry. Were we all so lucky to have a friend so eloquent as you......

[brickyardkennedy]

That was a lovely tribute to your friend that you posted, Barry and I'm sorry for your loss.

All these decades I too, believed that was Adolph H's pic., much to my embarrassment.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

I had honestly never heard of Richard until Barry's post. This man sounds like the kind of fellow you only encounter once in a lifetime.

[2dueces]

Barry, Sorry to hear of your loss and my thoughts go out to his family. Joe

[Wite3]

Barry and the Merkin family,
I am so sorry to hear this. Although I never met him personally, I did enjoy his book with Larry Ritter and his artwork. My condolences to all.

Joshua

[19cbb]

Barry, very sorry for the loss of your friend. Best wishes to his family.