Special Guests at Fan Club 2010 Luncheon

The Fan Club Luncheon on July 16 included a number of Special Guests. Among them were the following.

Erma M. Bergmann (Bergie) - Amateur Softball and Professional Baseball Player (Click on Photo to Enlarge)

A St. Louis native, Bergmann grew up playing baseball with her two brothers until at age 14 she was asked to play organized amateur softball. At age 19 she was asked to try out professionally for the All American Girls Baseball League in Pascagula, Ms. Bergmann, one of the real players from the movie "A League of Their Own", made the team and was recruited to play for the Muskegon Lassies in 1946. This was the first time in U.S. history women played professional baseball. Known for her strong throwing arm, Bergmann pitched a no hitter against the Grand Rapids Chicks...a career highlight. Bergmann pitched in this extraordinary baseball league from 1946 to 1951. After baseball ended, Bergmann returned to St. Louis and became one of the first pioneer policewomen in 1956. Bergmann retired after 25 years of honorable service in 1981.

Fred Buchholz - Batboy for St. Louis Browns

Fred served as a batboy for both the St. Louis Browns and Cardinals, as well as every visiting AL team.  He was recently featured on the Bob Costas narrated program, "MLB Network Remembers: The Eddie Gaedel Story.”

Rosanne Delsing - Wife of Jim Delsing, St. Louis Browns

Jim Delsing was a popular player with the Browns from 1950-52. He also played for the White Sox, Tigers, Yankees and Athletics. Rosanne is the mother of PGA golfer, Jay Delsing.

Bill DeWitt, III - President, St. Louis Cardinals 

Bill DeWitt III was appointed president after the 2007 season and was previously the team's vice-president of business development.

Joan DeWitt McKean

Ms. McKean is the daughter of Browns owner Bill DeWitt Sr.   She resides in Grosse Point, Michigan.  Sportswise, Ms. McKean is a 4-time Michigan bridge champion who competed last year with 3,000 bridge players from across America and Mexico.

Chuck Diering – St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles

Diering, a St. Louis native and Beaumont High graduate, was drafted by the Browns/Orioles in November 1953 and ended up being the Orioles team MVP for 1954.  He was the last original Oriole still with the team, departing June 24, 1956.  He played in 396 games for the Cardinals from 1947-1951 and was the everyday centerfielder between Stan Musial and Enos Slaughter in 1949. 

Bo Drochelman - Grandson of George Sisler, St. Louis Browns
Julie Drochelman - Great Granddaughter of George Sisler, St. Louis Browns

George Sisler, ranked as the #1 player in the history of the Browns, played for the team from 1915 - 1927. He was the AL batting champ in 1920 & 1922.

Charlie Hopkins - Browns Minor League System

Charlie Hopkins was a standout catcher for the San Antonio Missions during the early ‘50s. Catching future major leaguers such as Ryne Duren. (Charlie Hopkins Photo Shown)

Archie Jones - Browns Minor League System

Jones signed with the Browns in 1953 and was assigned to play with the Pine Bluff Judges in the Class C Cotton States League. Upon completion of military service the following year, he played with the San Antonio Missions and Lubbock Class B League, which was now part of the Baltimore Orioles farm system.

Greg Marecek - Founder/President, St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame

The St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame became a reality in 2009. The HOF will tell the stories with artifacts and presentations on the great tradition of sports in St. Louis.

Bob Muncrief, III - Grandson of Bob Muncrief, St. Louis Browns

Pitched for the Browns from 1937 - 1947. Also played for the Indians, Cubs, Pirates and Yankees.