Tag Archives: Steve Mercado

Steve, I just want to let…

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Steve, I just want to let you know that I went out with a good friend yesterday to play a game of stickball in the handball courts. I told my bud of your dedication to stickball and surely, the FD. We both played for an hour or so that was dedicated to your memory. I know your family and friends will be at your Memorial today, I’m sorry I can’t, but my prayers are. I’m sure God has a Spaldeen and mop handle and he’s ready to play!

Steve might not remember…

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Steve might not remember me by name – although we grew up in the Bronx and went to the same H.S. Norman Thomas. We were acquaintances from the neighborhood – we knew each other by face – we hung out in the same places and we saw each other on the #6 train. I remember meeting his wife Jovy through a mutual friend while they were dating and how much they were in love with each other. I remember when they got married and how radiant she looked. I had lost touch with Jovy, but always said an hello when we would see each other. I remember going to the Stickball tournaments with my Dad as I lived only 2 blocks from where it was held and remember seeing Jovy with the boys and Steve with Austin this past summer coaching him how to hit the ball and being amazed that his lil guy knew exactly what he was being taught. My heart goes out to Jovy and the boys along with his parents. I am truly saddened that their loss will have a great impact on their lives as well as the Bronx community as a whole. We will never forget u and your heroic efforts on that tragic day. May you rest in peace. Your Forever Friends, Debra Crespo (My Dad) Frank Crespo – The Bronx!

I had thought the I had…

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I had thought the I had gotten over with no one I knew. Then I hear the sad news. I had the pleasure of playing with Steve in the Bronx. My memories of him are of a person full of energy and always smiling, My condolence go out Steve family and to all the have lost loved ones. May God Bless you……

I played Hard Ball with…

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I played Hard Ball with Steve when I was 13 years old and He was 15. Steve showed me how to throw a curveballl and how to play shortstop. I watched everything he did because he did it so well. Even at such a young age, he had such great leadership qualities that looking at the other notes, he touched many more lives with those same qualities. Most of all, He brought that great Stevie Mercado smile right at you, razzing you a bit sometimes but saying… hey man.. you can do this. We can do this… we can do something great… and he did… for many. All these years later, I am touched by him in this tragic event but in looking at the notes and how he touched others, he is still showing me how to play the field. My heart goes out to the Mercado family.

Steve didn’t invent the…

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Steve didn’t invent the game of stickball nor did he establish the Emperors league. What he did though was take a game, turned it into tradition, a Bronx tradition and elevated it to new heights. He was a man with vision. He’s always been that way, in every endeavor. Me and Louis looked up to you although we never let you know it. We’re missing you. This is a wonderful tribute by Streetplay, thank you.

Dear Steve, I have…

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Dear Steve, I have known you for 12 yrs now and I did not know how much you really changed my life. When you read that poem out loud (Our Game), it touch home because for 12 yrs now, I have been playing stickball with my dad and I look forward to playing every Sunday with him. It is a tradition for us and will stay that way for ever. I will miss you very much and send my condolences to your family. I personally will make it my goal to keep the game of stickball alive. The Columbus Day tournament we played was dedicated by us to you. We (the Manhattan Bad Boys) will miss you very much and will never forget the good times we share. Love always, Angel (Dusty) Quinones Jr., Angel (Q) Quinones Sr.

As I sit here and read all…

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As I sit here and read all the tributes to this wonderful person I thank God that He BLESSED me by allowing Steve to come into my life.Of course we met through stickball, how else would God have it.As my passion grew for the game I knew it wouldn’t be complete unless I went to New York. Thats how I met Steve, I’m up to bat and this guy is raggin on me “hey what do you know about stickball your from San Diego” then after the game Steve comes up and is already thinking of how can we get stickball to San Diego. I knew this guy would be in my life forever because of the passion he had for stickball.However, the fondest BLESSING I have from Steve came during the “World Series Of Stickball” hosted by Manhattan.During the rain delay of the championship game my teamates and I are handing out Bibles, as I go to give my brother Steve one he says,”Willie I have my own it would be better if you gave it to someone who doesn’t have one.” That showed me how much this man cared for people.Steve was just out here in San Diego for our tournament and one day while were out at the pool my wife Sherry makes the comment to me,”you can really see how much Steve LOVES his family.” As I try to make sense of Semptember 11th I’m reminded of what God says in the Bible in the book of ST. James chapter 4 verse 14,”whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow.For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”I know that Steve’s life was a BLESSING to me and all of you that knew him. You see, I’m also a fireman like Steve and as I contemplate of what my brother might have gone through one thing I know is that he was eager to use the GIFT that God had given him, which was helping others.Joviana, take comfort in knowing that our awesome God always had your wonderful husband in the palm of His hand,(Jn.10:27-29).Skylar and Austin your father is a very respected and honorable man.Like I said, God put Steve in my life forever he’s just playing stickball on streets of gold instead of asphalt.Yo Steve! you can’t have Moses and Jesus on the same team. I Love You Bro, I’ll see you up there in Gods time, Willie

A banner hangs above the…

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A banner hangs above the spot Steve Mercado slid into home in Little Italy, San Diego. It says “Termi Solo Dio, ” fear only god.” Father Granchini requested it be displayed following the news of the tragedy and the loss of Steve Mercado. On October 21, at the Little Italy Festa, we’ll be playing the “Mercado” tournament to honor the Steve and the other firemen, police officers and EMT’s who gave their life to save others. We’re with you in spirit Steve. Your family and your brothers will always be in our prayers. Rest in peace

To Steve’s family and friends,…

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To Steve’s family and friends, my heartfelt condolence. I wish I could say I knew him better. I talked to Steve a few times on the phone. I had e-mailed him for help on my stickball league in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and he was such a gentleman, having called me back right away and give me advice on many things. I was truly impressed and knew this was a good man, for anyone that goes out of their way for a stranger truly is good people in my book. Little did I know he was a fireman and not till today did I know that he went out of his way for 30,000 people the day of Sept. 11. I guess my hunch that he was a good man and gentleman was understated to say the least. Just makes me so mad and sad to know that these people, if you can call them that, took more than just the buildings away from N.Y.C. They took Steve, a very special man. All my sorrow to his family and friends. -Vinny Ponzo from Bath Beach Stickball League, Brklyn

I have known Steve my whole…

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I have known Steve my whole entire life. He is my godfather and one of the few male role-models in my life. My father left me at an age where I don’t really remember him. Steve, Luis, Papa Angel, Theo Junior, Mel and Big Jay were the only guys who actually took the time out to spend some time with me, or talk to me, or was willing to be there for me when I needed help, and I Thank All of you guys! Steve was one of the guys who stood out, Steve always considered me and my brother as two of his sons. Steve was the kind of person who would put 110% into everything that was a part of his life. He was an athlete, a hard worker, a business man, and most of all he was a family man. Steve had a serious discussion with me and my brother once, it is a covenant that I will keep in my heart until it is my time to go. I would like to thank the people at Streetplay.com for this honorable tribute and I pray for those who have been stricken with this tragedy. God bless! I miss you Steve!