Moe Berg papers, 1910-1980, bulk 1920-1964
Collection context
- Creator:
- Berg, Moe, 1902-1972
- Extent:
- 2.5 linear feet 5 document boxes
- Language:
- English , Japanese , French , German .
- Scope and content:
-
The Moe Berg Papers contain correspondence, photographs, and ephemera related to Berg's career as a professional baseball player, as well as his experience as a spy for the CIA and the Bureau of Inter-American Affairs. Also included in the collection is a series of material collected by or generated by Moe Berg's sister Ethel in the process of writing and promoting a biography of her brother.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Morris (Moe) Berg, born on March 2, 1902, was a Major League Baseball catcher and coach, and later a spy for the United States. Berg briefly attended New York University before transferring to Princeton in 1919 where he played shortstop and ultimately received a B.A. in modern languages in 1923. He began playing baseball professionally after graduation with the Brooklyn Robins. In 1926 Berg took a leave of absence from the White Sox to pursue a law degree at the Columbia University Law School. When he returned to baseball he was drafted to fill in as catcher due to an injury. He remained a catcher for the rest of his playing career. After he stopped playing, Berg briefly served as part of the Red Sox coaching staff from 1940-1941 until the U.S.'s entry into World War II shifted his focus to national service. During the war he served as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services and later worked for this organization's successor the Central Intelligence Agency. Berg died on May 29, 1970.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Moe Berg Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu