Louis Bergesch

1921 - 2011

Bergesch, Louis "Bill"

Louis William (Bill) Bergesch, who held many executive positions with professional baseball teams, passed away May 10, 2011 at a retirement home in Stamford. He was 89. Bergesch was born in St. Louis, MO on June 17, 1921. He played football, basketball, and track at Washington University where he received his BA in 1946. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Earlier he had attended the University of Missouri. Bill served in the US Army from 1942-44 as a Platoon Sergeant, 1st Special Service Force, trained in commando and mountain assault. He served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. He began his baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1947. He joined the New York Mets in their first two seasons, then joined the New York Yankees in 1964. Bergesch returned to the Yankees from 1978-1984 as Director of Scouting, Vice President of Player Personnel, and Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations (General Manager) under George Steinbrenner. During this time the Yankees won the World Series in 1978. He went to the Cincinnati Reds from 1984-88 as General Manager at the time Pete Rose broke the all-time hit record. His last professional stop was back with the Yankees as senior consultant from 1990-97. During this time the Yankees again won the World Series in 1996. A resident of the Village of Mamaroneck for more than 30 years, he was a candidate for Mayor of the Village in 1972. He later moved to Rye, and later to Stamford, a year after the death of his wife, Virginia. Survivors include a son, Robert, a daughter, Susan Shanks, and grandchildren, Bayle, Virginia, Daniel Shanks and William and Elizabeth Bergesch. Visitation 3-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. on Friday at COXE & GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME 767 E. Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, 914-698-5968. www.coxeandgraziano.com Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. at Mamaroneck United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery