Gehringer, Charlie (11 May 1903–21 January 1993), baseball player and executive, was born Charles Leonard Gehringer in Fowlerville, Michigan, the son of farmers. Preferring that young Charlie would follow the same occupation, his parents discouraged him from playing baseball; however, they did permit Charlie and his brother to construct a rough diamond on the farm. Charlie learned the game well enough to pitch for the Fowlerville High School team, losing only one game at that level. He also played third base for both school and town teams, then enrolled at the University of Michigan. He attended only one year, playing baseball, football, and basketball, but lettering only in the last of these. His batting skill attracted the attention of the Detroit Tigers management, however, and in 1924 he was given a tryout in Detroit supervised by Manager ...
