Lewis Bertsch

Began athletic career in basketball at Southern Junior High School in 1930. Played basketball at Reading High School in 1930s. Played for Dreamland Park, which beat the national champion Regar’s Sweet Shoppe team (1939). Played for the Lone Stars, who won the city title (1940) and for Cacoosing Dairy that won the Berks Recreation title (1942). Coached basketball for Reading Catholic High School (1946-1956). PIAA basketball official for 17 years. Member of the National High School Officials Board and a life member of the Reading-Berks Oldtimers. Played on Reading High School’s East Penn League Championship baseball teams in 1932 and 1933. Played on the first Gregg Post American Legion State Championship team (1932). At age 16, played with Robesonia in the Lebanon Valley League. Signed a professional contract at the age of 17 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Assigned to Martinsville, WV, played a record 260 consecutive games. Played for Carpenter Steel and the Lebanon Valley Champs, Reinholds (1937). While playing shortstop for Carpenter Steel in 1937, he broke the Lebanon Valley League record for double plays. Repeated in 1938 as seasonal double play record holder. Played for Reading City Champs (1939). Organized baseball at Central Catholic with Joe McLaughlin. Coached Bowers Battery in the city league. Coached. Also coached Laureldale in American Legion League. Served for 25 years as a scout for the Chicago White Sox and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Conducted clinics for the Phillips School of Baseball. Helped form the Reading Police Athletic League.

Deceased