Freddie Beck

Freddie Beck was regarded as the best black baseball player and best catcher in Berks County history. He was a native of Harrisburg, PA and played for the Harrisburg Giants, Newark Eagles and the Cuban Giants in the National Negro League before moving to Reading (1930). In the Berks Recreation and City leagues, Beck played for Walnuttown, St. Lawrence Dairy, Jackson Rope, Clover Farms and the Reading Colored Elks. He batted .406 at the age of 44. He was honored at “Freddie Beck Day at Pendora Park Day” in Pendora Park– driving in the only run as Clover Farms defeated American Chain (1944). Freddie was also very influential in guiding young athletes. He coached American Legion baseball for Carver Post (1956-63), where he schooled David Binder, catcher, who went on to have a successful career at Muhlenberg College.

Deceased