Wally Berger
From BR Bullpen
Walter Anton Berger
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 198 lb.
- Debut April 15, 1930
- Final Game July 4, 1940
- Born October 10, 1905 in Chicago, IL USA
- Died November 30, 1988 in Redondo Beach, CA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
"I never thought of records, I just liked to hit." - Wally Berger
Wally Berger was a major star in the 1930s. He set the record for the most home runs by a rookie (since surpassed). His lifetime Adjusted OPS puts him in the top 100 of all time (tied with Will Clark and King Kelly and one point below Reggie Jackson).
The best years of his career were spent with the mostly noncompetitive Boston Braves, but he eventually got into a couple World Series with the 1937 New York Giants and the 1939 Cincinnati Reds.
He played high school ball on the same Mission High School team as Joe Cronin. Before coming to the majors, he played for many years in semi-pro and minor league ball.
His career was shortened as a result of injuries suffered in 1936 and 1937. After his playing days he was a scout. He also managed in the minors in 1949.
His brother Fred Berger played six years in the PCL and three in the American Association.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 4-time NL All-Star (1933-1936)
- NL Home Runs Leader (1935)
- NL RBI Leader (1935)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 5 (1930 & 1933-1936)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1930, 1934 & 1935)
- 100 RBI Seasons: 4 (1930 & 1933-1935)
[edit] Related Sites
There is a SABR biography of Wally Berger.
