Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) – The Detroit Tigers announced Monday that
former first baseman Dave Bergman died at the age of 61.
“It is with heavy hearts we extend our condolences to the family of Dave
Bergman. Dave was as spirited a person as he was a player. He will forever
hold a special place in Tigers history for the versatile roles he played, and
his significant contributions as a member of the 1984 World Champion Tigers.
We will miss seeing ‘Bergie’ at the ballpark and in the community,” the club
noted in a statement.
Bergman was already an eight-year pro by the time he was traded twice in one
day, from San Francisco to Philadelphia and then to Detroit on March 24, 1984.
The latter trade saw the Phillies ship Bergman along with future AL MVP and Cy
Young winner Willie Hernandez to the Tigers for Glenn Wilson and John
Wockenfuss.
In 1984, he hit .273 with seven homers and 44 RBI over 120 games, while also
spending time in the outfield, but collected just one single in seven
postseason at-bats as the Tigers beat the Royals in the ALCS and Padres in the
Fall Classic. His most notable contribution to that 104-win team was a three-
run, walk-off homer against the Blue Jays at Tiger Stadium on June 4, capping
a 13-pitch plate appearance against Roy Lee Jackson.
“One of our best teammates. Bergman was a guy who knew his role. He was a
competitor and just a good person too,” said Hall of Fame pitcher Jack Morris
of his former teammate.
Bergman remained with the Tigers until the end of his career following the
1992 season. In 1,349 career games for the Yankees, Astros, Giants and Tigers,
he was a lifetime .258 hitter who collected 54 home runs, 100 doubles and
drove in 289 runs.
