Sam Mertes, an outfielder and infielder, played in Major League Baseball during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on August 6, 1872, in San Francisco, California, Mertes began his professional baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He made his debut in the major leagues on September 14, 1896. Over the course of his career, Mertes played for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Orphans (later known as the Cubs), Chicago White Sox, New York Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Mertes was known for his speed and base-stealing abilities. In 1903, while playing for the New York Giants, he led the National League in stolen bases with 49. This achievement highlighted his agility and quickness on the field, making him a valuable asset to his team. His ability to steal bases was complemented by his batting skills. Mertes had a respectable batting average throughout his career, often contributing to his team's offensive efforts.

In addition to his time with the Giants, Mertes played a significant role with the Chicago White Sox. During his tenure with the White Sox, he was part of the team that won the American League pennant in 1901. This was a notable achievement for the team, as it was the first year of the American League being recognized as a major league. Mertes' performance during this period helped solidify his reputation as a reliable player.

Mertes' versatility allowed him to play multiple positions, including outfield and infield roles. This adaptability made him a valuable player for the teams he joined, as he could fill various positions as needed. His career spanned over a decade, during which he accumulated a total of 1,112 hits, 44 home runs, and 720 runs batted in (RBIs).

After retiring from professional baseball, Mertes' life outside the sport is less documented.

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