Tag Archives: Steve Mercado
A friend, Louie, told me…
20 years after graduating…
20 years after graduating high school, a lot of us rekindled our friendships in anticipation of our 20 year high school reunion. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the reunion and did not get to see him. Steve and I corresponded via email where he shared his love and passion for stickball with those of us on his email list. I thank you for the email which has led me to this website where I now finally have to accept that it is true. Steve was a wonderful friend in high school. I pray for his family and may God bless them and give them the strength they need to get through this. God bless us all, may Steve’s memory live on forever.
I did not personally know…
I did not personally know Steve, but my brother did. He also plays stickball, his name is Carlos Calderon. I got to see them play when they came to Washington, DC to play at the Smithsonian 2001 Folk Festival. I was deeply saddened by his death as well as all the other Americans who died. As a New Yorker, born and raise and I am very sad at what happened to our beautiful city. GOD BLESS US ALL !!! QUE DIOS BENDIGA ESTA NACIóN AHORA Y SIEMPRE !!! My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve’s family as well as all those who perished in this horrible tragedy. Carmen Calderon
I never appreciated firefighters…
I never appreciated firefighters and always overlooked their dedication. Steve Mercado is a true hero, wonderful father dedicated husband, and outstanding leader. Without him the stickball community will struggle but needs to carry on , I promise to keep Steve’s dream alive. I already miss you Steve and your comments to me at the BLVD and in the meetings. You were a true friend and in my heart had became family. To Mic, you have truly captured Steve at his best with your tribute, Thank You. J-LOUD
The Florida Panthers Stickball…
The Florida Panthers Stickball Team and all of our fellow brothers in the sport join Steve’s friends and family in mourning of this beautiful human being.We have all been touched by this tragedy but, those of us that had the privilege to know Steve even briefly, know what a great loss this is to the youngsters of his community and the “Stickball Family”…We have all lost a brother, a friend and a great human being…There aren’t enough words to express the great sorrow in our hearts… God Bless you Steve…’til we meet again my friend… Robert Medina Jr. Florida Panthers Stickball
I have had the wonderful…
I have had the wonderful experience of playing stickball with Steve in San Diego. I am a San Diego Police Officer from Bergen County, NJ. Steve and I immediately “hit if off” like two home boys should. I was five feet from Steve when he slid full speed into home on cement. As he was comming home I was shocked when he sped up and then hit the ground as if he was running on grass. I didnt realize it at the time that I just saw a true hero in action. Although I didnt know him like his family and friends, I would imagine he worked as hard as he played. No excuses just superior effort at all times. For Steves familiy and friends I share in your loss of a beautiful person. Steve Mercado, you will always be remembered as a American hero who laid it on the line for people who he did not know. You made the ultimate sacrifice beacuse you knew that when you took the oath, it was not just spoken words but it was about actions. From one public safety officer to another, you and your fallen bothers and sisters will always be an inspiration in my life. Your Friend, Brian :>
I didn’t know Steve except…
I didn’t know Steve except for a brief meeting at this year’s Stickball Tournament in San Diego (only one week before the terror struck). The first time we met, Steve had just slid into home base to lay it all out for his team and try to score that very important run that would have made it 11-2. That’s what I thought was a true TEAM player, someone who would give the skin off of his leg for his team. It seems Steve gave more than that for his “team” that next week. I can’t help thinking of Steve talking to his son during the tournament and teaching him the lessons of Stickball. I feel for that little boy now, as I know his world (as has countless others) has been changed forever. I pray for Steve’s family and the families of those who lost someone in that terrible disaster. I know that in some way, there will have a higher calling for Steve and the members of his firefighting unit. Their bravery and heroism was not for nothing, as I know that in some way, they had a hand in helping those who were able to escape the World Trade Center buildings. Rest in Peace, Steve.
All donations my friends…
All donations my friends and I make to the cause from now on will be made in Steve’s name. I didn’t know the man but he truly fits the definition of greatness. It would be a fitting tribute at some point to hold a memorial stickball tournament in his name with all proceeds going to support whatever NYFD-related cause streetplay.com decides. Please let me know if this happens so I can help underwrite it.
I didn’t know Steve, but…
I didn’t know Steve, but I got the e-mail notification from Streetplay. I got on the list after talking to some of the members who were exhibiting at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. I grew up in Brooklyn and took a walk down memory lane reminiscing about the good times I had playing punchball, skelley, etc. in the early 60’s. One of my strongest memories was hanging out playing my games on the street outside my father’s laundry on Coney Island Avenue. Anytime, a fire engine went by (and plenty went by that street), no matter what we were doing, my playmates and I would jump up and wave vigorously at the firemen. In those days, they stood on the ladder. They would chuckle and wave back. We would wave and wave until they went out of sight. We just admired them so much. My heart goes out to Steve’s family. He must have been a great guy.