Before joining the Reds, Bergesch had already established himself in the baseball world. He began his career with the New York Yankees in the 1950s, working in their farm system. He later moved to the Baltimore Orioles, where he served as the Director of Player Personnel. Bergesch then joined the New York Mets as the Assistant General Manager, a position he held for nearly a decade.
In 1984, Bergesch was appointed as the GM of the Cincinnati Reds. During his tenure, he was instrumental in building a competitive team that included key players like Barry Larkin, Chris Sabo, and Eric Davis. Bergesch was known for his ability to identify and develop young talent, which played a crucial role in the Reds' success during this period.
Under Bergesch's leadership, the Reds consistently finished near the top of their division. In 1985, the team finished second in the National League West, just 5.5 games behind the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The following year, the Reds improved their record and finished second again, this time just 10 games behind the Houston Astros.
Despite the team's success, Bergesch's tenure with the Reds was not without controversy. He was often criticized for his reluctance to make big trades or sign high-priced free agents. This conservative approach to team building was in stark contrast to the free-spending ways of other teams during the 1980s.
Bergesch left the Reds in 1987, but his impact on the team was long-lasting. Many of the players he brought to Cincinnati went on to have successful careers, and the team won the World Series just three years after his departure.
After leaving the Reds, Bergesch continued to work in baseball. He served as a consultant for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the Arizona Diamondbacks, among other roles. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Bergesch's contributions to the sport of baseball are undeniable. His keen eye for talent and his commitment to building strong teams have left a lasting legacy in the MLB.
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