Dave Bergman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dave Bergman |
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| First baseman | |||
| Born: June 6, 1953 Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
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| Died: February 2, 2015 (aged 61) Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, U.S. |
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| debut | |||
| August 26, 1975, for the New York Yankees | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| October 4, 1992, for the Detroit Tigers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .258 | ||
| Home runs | 54 | ||
| Runs batted in | 289 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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David Bruce Bergman (June 6, 1953 – February 2, 2015) was an American baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball from 1975 to 1992. Dave was mostly a first baseman, but also played as a designated hitter and left fielder.
Contents
Dave Bergman's Baseball Journey
Early Life and College Baseball
Dave Bergman was born in Evanston, Illinois. He went to Maine South High School. Later, he studied at Illinois State University.
In 1973 and 1974, Dave played collegiate summer baseball. He played for the Chatham A's team. This was part of the Cape Cod Baseball League. In 1973, he won the league's batting title. His college uniform number, 12, was retired in 1994. This means no other player at Illinois State can use that number.
Starting His Professional Career
The Chicago Cubs drafted Bergman right after high school. But he chose to go to college instead. At Illinois State, he was voted the team's MVP in 1973 and 1974. In 1974, he was named an All-American outfielder. He finished his college career with a .366 batting average. He also had 63 runs batted in.
The New York Yankees drafted Dave in 1974. He quickly became a batting champion. He was also league MVP in his first two minor league seasons. He played only 12 games with the Yankees. This was between 1975 and 1977.
Time with the Astros and Giants
In December 1977, Dave was traded to the Houston Astros. He played four years with the Astros. He was a part-time player during this time. In 1980, he helped the Astros win their first division title. He caught the final out of the game. This clinched a 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 1981, Bergman was traded again. He went from the Astros to the San Francisco Giants. In 1983, he played in 90 games for the Giants. He hit six home runs and had a .286 batting average.
Becoming a World Series Champion
On March 24, 1984, Dave Bergman was traded twice in one day! First, from the Giants to the Phillies. Then, from the Phillies to the Detroit Tigers. Dave became the starting first baseman for the Tigers. That year, the Tigers won the 1984 World Series. They defeated the San Diego Padres. He played in 120 games for the 1984 Tigers. He had a career-high 44 RBIs and seven home runs.
One famous moment happened on June 4, 1984. The Tigers were playing the Toronto Blue Jays. Dave came to bat in the 10th inning. There were two men on base and two outs. He fouled off seven pitches. Then, on the 13th pitch, he hit a three-run home run. It was a "walk-off" home run. This meant the Tigers won the game instantly. His manager, Sparky Anderson, called it "the greatest at bat in my life."
Later Years with the Tigers
In 1988, Dave hit a career high .294 for the Tigers. In August 1989, he broke up a Nolan Ryan no-hitter. He hit a single in the ninth inning. On August 5, 1989, Dave used a clever play. It's called the hidden ball trick. He tagged out Chicago White Sox shortstop Ozzie Guillén.
Bergman played nine seasons for the Tigers. He was often a part-time player. He would play against right-handed pitchers. Later in his career, he backed up Cecil Fielder at first base. He also spent time as a designated hitter.
How Dave Played the Game
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Dave Bergman was known for how he played against different pitchers. He was much better against right-handed pitchers. This is why he often played as a part-time player. He had a .264 batting average against right-handers. But only .196 against left-handers.
Even though his overall batting average was .258, he was good at getting on base. He was known for his good "strike zone judgment." This means he knew which pitches to swing at. He had more base on balls (walks) than strikeouts in his career. This shows he was a smart hitter.
Life After Baseball
After retiring, Dave Bergman lived in the Detroit area. He made Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, his home. He worked as a senior portfolio analyst. This was for a company called Sigma Investment Counselors.
Dave was good friends with fellow baseball player Joe Niekro. They were fishing partners for over 30 years. After Joe Niekro passed away, Dave helped the Joe Niekro Foundation. This foundation supports research and awareness for brain aneurysms. He also worked with youth baseball programs. He was a trustee for former Tigers manager Sparky Anderson's C.A.T.C.H. charity.
His Passing
Dave Bergman passed away on February 2, 2015. He was 61 years old. He had been battling a serious illness. He was married to Cathy and had three children.
