Mervyl Melendez’s Journey Through Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Triumph

Who is Mervyl Melendez?

Mervyl Melendez is a collegiate baseball player and coach, born in Puerto Rico in 1974. He played for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats from 1993 to 1996, excelling as a third baseman and relief pitcher. Mervyl Melendez set several records during his playing career. His outstanding performance earned him all-conference and all-tournament honors in both 1995 and 1996, and he was selected to the first-ever Black College All-America Team during his senior year.

After his playing career, Mervyl Melendez transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant at Bethune-Cookman. He later became the head coach from 2000 to 2011, leading the program to eleven Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) championships in twelve seasons. In 2012, he took over as head coach of the Alabama State Hornets, transforming them into a competitive force within the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). His tenure there included back-to-back SWAC Eastern Division titles and a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2016.

In June 2016, Mervyl Melendez was appointed head coach at Florida International University (FIU). During his time at FIU, he built a strong program, signing multiple highly regarded recruiting classes and helping fourteen players advance to professional baseball through the MLB Draft. Throughout his coaching career, Melendez has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to collegiate baseball and has played a crucial role in developing young talent.

In 2018, at the age of 46, Mervyl Melendez was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

An assistant coach mentioned feeling sluggish and having recently undergone bloodwork. Mervyl  Melendez confidently stated he had plenty of energy, prompting the assistant to challenge him to get his bloodwork done as well. Accepting the challenge, he scheduled an appointment and was taken aback when his doctor called to ask if he had experienced any symptoms or issues related to his prostate.

“I said no. He said my PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) reading was in the 30s, but it should be around four.” – Mervyl Melendez

Upon hearing that his PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels were alarmingly high Mervyl Melendez was initially shocked but quickly resolved to fight the diagnosis of prostate cancer. After discussing the situation with his wife and sons, he made immediate lifestyle changes, including altering his diet and maintaining his exercise routine, while avoiding negative influences.

“I said from this point forward, we’re fighting this, and it’s going to be fine.” – Mervyl Melendez

Alan Dal Pra, M.D., the medical director of radiation oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and an associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, treated Mervyl Melendez with salvage radiotherapy, which Dr. Dal Pra described as “the only potentially curative option after biochemical failure after surgery.” This treatment involved radiation administered five days a week, combined with a brief course of androgen suppression. Melendez’s case also highlights the importance of prostate cancer screening programs, says Dr. Dal Pra.

“His attitude played an important role. The fact that he is a very active person who exercises regularly has contributed to his recovery and improved his quality of life after treatment.” – Dr. Dal Pra

Following a biopsy that confirmed the cancer, Mervyl Melendez underwent a radical prostatectomy and subsequently received salvage radiotherapy after some activity was detected in his PSA readings post-surgery.

Mervyl Melendez and Dr. Dal Pra recently threw out the first pitch at a Miami Marlins game. “I was honored to represent cancer survivors at Sylvester, and I was honored to be a part of it,” says Melendez.

“We had such a great time during the Marlins game. It was great to raise awareness for prostate cancer and honor Mervyl, who has such strong ties with baseball.” – says Dr. Dal Pra

Today, Mervyl Melendez is cancer-free and has transitioned from baseball coaching to helping high school student-athletes secure college placements while enjoying time watching his sons play baseball. His journey underscores the importance of early screening for prostate cancer, especially for men under 50.

“I knew that with the help of God, I’d be fine,”  – Mervyl Melendez

Mervyl Melendez with Dr Dal Pra.

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center shared on LinkedIn:

“After two decades in baseball—as a player, coach and head coach at FIU – Mervyl Melendez faced a new challenge: prostate cancer.

During a conversation, an assistant coach suggested he get bloodwork done. Melendez was shocked when his PSA reading was in the 30s, instead of around four.

Dr. Alan Dal Pra, Sylvester’s medical director of radiation oncology, treated him with salvage radiotherapy. Now, Melendez is cancer-free. “His attitude played an important role,” says Dr. Dal Pra. “Being very active and exercising regularly has contributed to his recovery and improved his quality of life after treatment.”

Read about Melendez’s cancer journey.”

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