Charles Leonard (Charlie) Gehringer

Charles Leonard “Charlie” Gehringer

University of Michigan Basketball, Baseball Player (1923)
Detroit Tigers Player (1924 - 1942)
Detroit Tigers General Manager (1951 – 1953)

Charlie Gehringer was born in Fowlerville, Michigan and after graduating from Fowlerville High School he enrolled at the University of Michigan where he lettered in basketball but not baseball. He was spotted by the Tigers and signed to a contract. He made his Tigers debut late in the 1924 season and would remain with the Tigers as a player through the 1942 season. Considered one of the best second baseman of all-time, he was very consistent at the plate and in the field. He helped the Tigers win three A.L. pennants and one World Series championship. He was a six-time All-Star, the A.L. MVP and batting champion in 1937. Overall, he batted .320 with 2,839 hits, 1,774 runs, 1,427 RBI and 184 home runs. He was named the Tigers General Manager from 1951 – 1953. Charlie Gehringer had his number “2” retired by the Tigers in 1983, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949, was selected as one of the greatest 100 players of All-time and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1956. He passed away on January 21, 1993 at 89 years of age.