Once upon a time there was a baseball player named Moe Berg who lived a life that many of us find truly amazing: Baseball Historian Morris Berg may have been only a third string, part-time baseball player for 17 seasons but he was certainly one of the most intelligent men ever to wear a major league uniform. Berg was an alumnus of three universities and read and spoke 12 different languages. He played shortstop and studied math while attending Princeton. In 1926, he reported late to Chicago White Sox for spring training in order to complete his term at law school. 'Moe' Berg played SS, 2B but mostly was a reserve catcher.

In 1934, a team of American All-Stars including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig traveled to Japan on a good-will tour and 'Moe' Berg was added to the squad - his mission - spying for the U.S. Government. He made a speech before the Japanese Legislature in Tokyo. Berg's main mission was to photograph key military buildings and other potential targets. Eight years later the U.S. Military used the photographs when making their first attack on Tokyo during World War II. After Berg retired from baseball in 1939, he worked in the Office of Strategic Service (CIA), his primary objective was to determine Germany's Nuclear potential. 'Moe' Berg undertook several dangerous tasks behind enemy lines to keep track of German scientists. By using his intelligence and gift for languages he was always able to return safety. Morris Berg's career stats: played 663 games in a career that spanned 17 years, batted .243 in 1,813 at bats. Baseball Historian - archives - Research Dept.. Sports fan Joe Balazs is proud to present Moe Berg and www.baseballhistorian.com to worldwide fans for viewing pleasure

Baseball catcher Moe Berg sitting in a dugout at a ballpark in San Antonio, Texas during spring training 1930 Photo SUMMARY
Informal three-quarter length portrait of baseball player Morris Berg of the American League's Chicago White Sox, sitting in a dugout at a ballpark in San Antonio, Texas, during spring training.

NOTES
This photonegative taken by a Chicago Daily News photographer may have been published in the newspaper.

Cite as: SDN-069755, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society.