Vic Wertz

Vic Wertz was a powerful left-handed slugger who delivered consistently strong offensive production throughout his 17-year Major League career. He hit 266 home runs and drove in over 1,100 runs, with multiple 100 RBI seasons to his name. A four-time All-Star, Wertz played for the Tigers, Indians, Red Sox, and others, and was known as a dependable middle-of-the-order presence.

Despite all his success, Wertz is most often remembered for hitting the ball that led to “The Catch”, Willie Mays’s legendary over-the-shoulder grab in the 1954 World Series. Though the game was one of the best of his career (he went 4 for 5 with a double and a triple), his name has been etched into the historical record for one loud out. Wertz’s place in history was sealed as the man who challenged one of the game’s greatest on its biggest stage. Wertz’s career continued into the early sixties, where he was remembered for the energy, he brought to his teams even when riding the bench.  He may be known for one of baseball’s most famous near hits, but his enduring contribution lies in how he played with class, consistency, and respect.