A pomp-filled program drew area residents, officials and sports buffs to Bensonhurst where they helped co-name the intersection of Bay 28th Street and Benson Avenue, “Robert Merrill Way.”
The celebrated opera baritone, who was as relaxed singing at the Met as on opening day for the New York Yankees, was delivered the posthumous honors in front of a large crowd, which included his widow, Marion, and family friend Joan Hodges, wife of Brooklyn Dodgers great Gil Hodges.
Merrill, who was born Morris (Moishe) Miller in Williamsburg and passed away in the fall of 2004 at the age of 85, was recalled for his booming baritone, which became synonymous with the New York Yankees, for whom he first opened in 1969, launching a tradition, which he would revisit on each opening day. On special occasions, he would wear his own pinstriped Yankee uniform, inscribed on the back with the number, “1-1/2.”
On August 3, 1979, he sang at an emotional pre-game ceremony for Thurman Munson at Yankee Stadium, the day after the catcher died in a plane crash.
City Councilmember Domenic Recchia, who helped push for the street co-name, was joined by Borough President Marty Markowitz at the unveiling ceremony for the acclaimed singer, who died while watching Game 1 of the 2004 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Merrill pursued his professional operatic career after seeing baritone Richard Bonelli perform in Il Trovatore at the Metropolitan Opera House, paying for his singing lessons by pitching for a semi-professional league.
A recording of his version of the National Anthem is sometimes still used at Yankee Stadium.
Merrill’s epitaph on his headstone at Sharon Cemetery in Valhalla, New York, reads: “Like a bursting celestial star, he showered his family and the world with love, joy, and beauty. Encore please.”
