George Mitterwald

[William Malone]

George Eugene Mitterwald was born on June 7, 1945 in Berkeley, California.

The Minnesota Twins signed him as an amateur free agent in 1965. He made his Major League debut for them in 1966. Mitterwald was used sparingly as a third catcher over the next several seasons, appearing in just 14 big league games between 1966 and 1968. He began to get regular playing time as the primary backup to John Roseboro in 1969, and became the team's regular starter in 1970.

Mitterwald hit 15 home runs and drove in 46 during the 1970 season. He caught 39 baserunners who were trying to steal, which was second most in the American League. His 53.4 caught stealing percentage was third. Minnesota won their second consecutive AL West crown, but they were swept by the Baltimore Orioles in the ALCS. Mitterwald was 4-for-8 with two RBI during that series.

He had a similar season in 1971, but fell off in 1972. Mitterwald hit just .184 that year, and also had a career worst .974 fielding percentage. He bounced back in 1973, batting .259 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI. It was the only time his OPS+ was above the set league average of 100 (102). In a veteran catcher swap, Minnesota traded him to the Chicago Cubs for Randy Hundley that winter.

Mitterwald played for seasons with the Cubs, batting .231 with 26 home runs and 125 RBI. He became the bullpen coach for the Oakland Athletics after retiring, then took the same post for the New York Yankees a few years later. Mitterwald then became a minor league manager, working in several different organizations. This included a two year run as manager of the Double-A Orlando Twins in the Minnesota organization.

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