TTM Stats
- Sent: 3/21/2022 | Received: 3/31/2022 | 10 Days
- ’69 Topps, ’70 Topps, ’75 Topps, ’78 Topps
- Address: Home (address from Sports Card Forum)
The Story of the Autograph
George Mitterwald is a former catcher in the major leagues. He played over eleven seasons from 1966 to 1977 with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs.
Mitterwald, born on June 7, 1945, in Berkeley, California, is a name that recalls a time in Major League Baseball (MLB) when catchers were known as much for their toughness as for their skills behind the plate. A steady and reliable catcher during his decade-long career, he played during the late 1960s and 1970s, a period often referred to as baseball’s golden era. Known for his defensive abilities and occasional power at the plate, Mitterwald left an indelible mark on the teams he played for and the fans who watched him.
Growing up in Berkeley, Mitterwald developed a passion for baseball. He attended Fremont High School in Oakland, where he was a standout athlete, particularly on the baseball diamond. His skills as a catcher caught the attention of MLB scouts, and in 1965, he was signed by the Minnesota Twins as an amateur free agent.
Mitterwald made his major league debut a year later on September 16, 1966. He went back down to the minors and spent those next sesaons working his way up through the Twins’ minor league system, where he earned a reputation as a hard-nosed, defensively sound catcher with a strong throwing arm.
Mitterwald’s first full season in the majors came in 1968, a year often referred to as the “Year of the Pitcher” due to the dominance of pitching across the league. Despite the tough hitting conditions, Mitterwald began to establish himself as a capable backstop for the Twins. His ability to handle pitchers and control the running game were key assets for Minnesota.
During his time with the Twins, Mitterwald was part of a talented team that included stars like Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Tony Oliva. The Twins reached the postseason in 1969 and 1970, with Mitterwald playing a crucial role in guiding the pitching staff during those successful campaigns. In 1970, he had one of his best seasons, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 56 runs while continuing to excel defensively.
In 1974, Mitterwald was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he continued to be a reliable presence behind the plate. It was with the Cubs that Mitterwald had one of the most memorable games of his career. On April 17, 1974, he hit three home runs in a single game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, driving in eight runs and leading the Cubs to a victory. This performance showcased his power potential, even though he was primarily known for his defense.
He played for the Cubs until 1977, after which he retired from professional baseball. Over his 11-year career, he compiled a .236 batting average with 76 home runs and 301 RBIs in 966 games. While his offensive numbers were modest, his contributions as a catcher were invaluable, particularly in his handling of pitchers and his leadership on the field.
After retiring from playing, Mitterwald stayed connected to the game through coaching and managing. He spent several years as a minor league manager, where he passed on his knowledge of the game to younger players. His experience as a catcher made him an excellent mentor for developing pitchers and catchers, and he was highly regarded in the minor league system for his ability to teach the finer points of the game. In addition to his work in the minor leagues, Mitterwald also served as a coach in the major leagues, working with teams like the Oakland Athletics. His post-playing career was marked by the same dedication and passion that defined his years as a player.
This is my second successful return from him. To see the first successful return, check out my post from June 2019.
The Score on George Mitterwald – 6.0
George is another guy from that vintage era that has a pretty fancy signature. This is one the type that falls more into the signature category than the autograph category for me. Still, I really like this one from George. I which I had some better cards for thim to sign. That ’75 is a bear to do a good job on. My favorite is his rookie card.
Thanks Mr. Mitterwald! I’m giving this return a 6 overall.
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.