This Dave Bergman autographed 1982 Donruss #146 Detroit Tigers baseball card features the dependable first baseman and left-handed hitter who became a familiar presence in Major League Baseball throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Best remembered for his years with the Detroit Tigers and his contributions to the franchise's memorable 1984 World Series championship team, Bergman developed a reputation for his defensive ability, patient approach at the plate, and willingness to contribute in whatever role his team needed. His autograph adds collectible appeal to this classic early Donruss release, combining a vintage baseball card with the signature of a 1984 World Series champion and longtime Detroit Tigers fan favorite.
David Bruce Bergman was born on June 6, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, and developed into a talented baseball player during his youth.
Bergman attended Illinois State University, where he established himself as a promising first baseman with strong offensive and defensive abilities.
The Chicago Cubs selected Bergman in the second round of the 1974 Major League Baseball Draft, beginning his professional baseball career.
He advanced through the Cubs' minor league system before making his Major League debut on August 26, 1975.
His early Major League experience provided an opportunity to develop his skills while competing against established professional players.
Bergman later joined the Houston Astros, where he continued building his reputation as a dependable first baseman.
During his years with Houston, Bergman demonstrated the defensive ability and disciplined hitting approach that would become defining characteristics of his career.
His versatility allowed him to contribute as a first baseman, pinch hitter, and valuable member of the team's bench.
The Astros featured recognizable players such as Jose Cruz, Cesar Cedeno, Joe Niekro, J.R. Richard, and Enos Cabell during portions of Bergman's tenure.
Bergman's ability to contribute in different situations made him a useful member of Houston's roster.
Following his years with the Astros, Bergman joined the San Francisco Giants, continuing his Major League career as an experienced first baseman.
His time with San Francisco provided additional opportunities to contribute offensively and defensively.
Bergman remained a reliable professional player, developing a reputation for his preparation, consistency, and ability to handle the defensive responsibilities of first base.
The most memorable chapter of Bergman's Major League career began when he joined the Detroit Tigers in 1984.
Detroit was assembling one of the most talented teams in franchise history under manager Sparky Anderson.
The Tigers featured an outstanding collection of players, including Alan Trammell, Lou Whitaker, Kirk Gibson, Lance Parrish, Chet Lemon, Jack Morris, and Willie Hernandez.
Bergman's arrival provided the organization with additional depth at first base and a dependable left-handed bat.
The 1984 Detroit Tigers began the season with an extraordinary 35-5 record, establishing themselves as the dominant team in the American League.
Detroit finished the regular season with an impressive 104-58 record, capturing the American League East Division championship.
The Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals in three consecutive games in the American League Championship Series before advancing to face the San Diego Padres in the World Series.
Detroit defeated San Diego in five games, capturing the 1984 World Series championship.
Bergman was an important member of the championship roster, contributing as a first baseman and providing valuable offensive depth.
One of the most memorable moments of his career occurred on June 4, 1984, during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Facing relief pitcher Roy Lee Jackson, Bergman engaged in an extraordinary plate appearance that lasted 13 pitches.
After fouling off numerous pitches, Bergman connected for a dramatic three-run home run in the bottom of the tenth inning, giving Detroit a 6-3 victory.
The memorable at-bat became one of the defining moments of the Tigers' remarkable championship season.
Bergman's persistence during the plate appearance reflected the disciplined hitting approach and competitive determination that characterized his career.
The home run remains a favorite memory among Detroit Tigers fans who followed the team's historic 1984 campaign.
Bergman continued playing an important role with Detroit throughout the remainder of the decade.
His defensive ability at first base provided stability for the Tigers, while his left-handed bat offered additional flexibility in the lineup.
In 1987, Bergman was a member of another Detroit Tigers division championship team, as the club captured the American League East title following a dramatic pennant race against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Detroit advanced to the American League Championship Series against the Minnesota Twins.
Although the Tigers ultimately lost the series, the season represented another memorable chapter in franchise history.
Bergman remained with Detroit through the conclusion of his Major League career in 1992.
His lengthy tenure with the Tigers made him a familiar and respected member of the organization.
Over 17 Major League seasons, Bergman recorded more than 1,100 hits, demonstrating the consistency and durability that helped him remain in the big leagues for nearly two decades.
His career reflected the importance of dependable role players who could contribute defensively, provide timely offense, and support successful championship teams.
Bergman passed away on February 2, 2015, leaving behind a legacy closely connected to the Detroit Tigers and their memorable 1984 World Series championship.
His contributions to the organization remain appreciated by fans who remember one of the most successful periods in Tigers history.
The 1982 Donruss #146 Dave Bergman card belongs to an important period in the history of modern baseball card collecting.
Donruss entered the modern baseball card market in 1981, joining Fleer in challenging Topps' longtime dominance of nationally distributed baseball cards.
The company's early releases became recognizable among collectors for their distinctive designs and expanding representation of Major League players.
The 1982 Donruss baseball set featured prominent player photography, colorful borders, and the familiar Donruss presentation that helped establish the company as a major competitor in the hobby.
The release included numerous established Major League stars, future Hall of Famers, and notable young players.
Among the most recognizable cards in the set is the Cal Ripken Jr. rookie card #405, one of the important rookie cards of the early 1980s.
Bergman's #146 card represents an early-1980s issue from a player who would later become closely associated with Detroit's championship teams.
Although Bergman did not join the Tigers until 1984, his earlier baseball cards remain appealing to collectors interested in assembling comprehensive player collections.
For Detroit Tigers collectors, Bergman's autograph carries special significance because of his contributions to the franchise's historic 1984 World Series championship team.
For 1984 World Series collectors, his signature represents a recognizable member of one of the most dominant championship teams of the decade.
For Houston Astros and San Francisco Giants collectors, Bergman's autograph also provides a connection to the organizations where he spent important portions of his Major League career.
For collectors assembling comprehensive Dave Bergman player collections, the 1982 Donruss #146 provides a classic early-1980s issue alongside his Topps, Fleer, Donruss, Score, Upper Deck, and other baseball cards.
The addition of Bergman's autograph enhances the collectible appeal of this Donruss release, combining an early-1980s baseball card with the signature of a dependable Major League first baseman and World Series champion.
This autographed card was obtained from a collector and is offered by Under the Radar Sports Promotions. The signature is guaranteed to pass any third-party authentication service.
This autographed Dave Bergman card is an excellent addition to collections featuring Detroit Tigers memorabilia, 1982 Donruss baseball cards, Dave Bergman player collections, 1984 Detroit Tigers World Series champions, 1987 Tigers American League East championship memorabilia, Houston Astros autographs, San Francisco Giants collectibles, and signed 1980s baseball cards.