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Charles Carl "Heinie" Berger (January 7, 1882 – February 10, 1954) was an American professional baseball pitcher. Berger played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for four seasons for the Cleveland Naps (1907–1910).

Heinie Berger
Berger at an old-timers' game in 1921
Pitcher
Born: (1882-01-07)January 7, 1882 LaSalle, Illinois
Died: February 10, 1954(1954-02-10) (aged 72) Lakewood, Ohio
Batted: Right Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 6, 1907, for the Cleveland Naps
Last MLB appearance
July 22, 1910, for the Cleveland Naps
MLB statistics
Win–loss record	32–29
Earned run average	2.60
Strikeouts	337
Teams
Cleveland Naps (1907–1910)

Biography

Berger, a native of Greenfield, Indiana, started his professional baseball career with the Spring Lake Park semi-pro team.[1] Twice he won 20 games in the minors before coming to the majors.^{[citation needed]}

He made his major league debut May 6, 1907, and played his final game on July 22, 1910. His best years were 1908 and 1909, with Berger winning 13 games in each of those seasons. He started 68 games for the Naps and ended his career with a 32–29 win loss record and a 2.60 earned run average.

In 1909, he led all American League pitchers, striking out an average of 5.90 batters per 9-innings pitched. He struck out a total of 162 batters in 1909, 3rd in the American League. Berger also led the league in wild pitches in 1909 with 13.

"Heinie" was a popular nickname for German baseball players in the early part of the 20th century. Berger was one of 22 major league Heinie's in the first half of the century. Others include: Heinie Beckendorf (1909–1910); Heinie Groh (1912–1927); Heinie Manush (1923–1939) (the only Hall of Fame "Heinie"); Heinie Meine (1922–1934); Heinie Mueller (1920–1935); Heinie Mueller (1938–1941); Heinie Peitz (1892–1913); Heinie Reitz (1893–1899); Heinie Sand (1923–1928); Heinie Schuble (1927–1936); Heinie Smith (1897–1903); Heinie Stafford (1914); Heinie Wagner (1902–1918); and Heinie Zimmerman (1907–1919). No major league player has been known by the nickname "Heinie" since World War II.

Berger is buried at Lake View Cemetery Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball Reference, or Baseball Reference (Minors)
• Heinie Berger at Find a Grave

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