Dave Bergman and Joe Niekro Snook Fishing in the Florida Everglades

1984 World Series Champion and former Detroit Tiger Dave Bergman stays busy with The Joe Niekro Foundation.

Dave Bergman came to Detroit in 1984 to help the Tigers win the World Series, and the former first baseman has been helping his community every day since.

A resident of Grosse Pointe Woods since 1985, Bergman is all about the causes that are near and dear to his heart, donating his time and his talents to both his community and MLB family. Specifically, he’s an active member on the Board of Directors currently serves as treasurer for The Joe Niekro Foundation.

Three to four times a week, Bergman can be found on the high school ballfields at Grosse Pointe North and Grosse Pointe South with his Redbirds teams. He is busy mentoring, managing and encouraging four teams of players who are aspiring to be great ballplayers and even better young men. The organization stresses academic excellence, high moral standards, discipline, respect, concern for others and a winning attitude.

An ongoing project nearest to Bergman’s heart is one that began in 2006, after the passing of his dear friend and big league pitcher, Joe Niekro. Niekro was the younger brother of pitcher Phil Niekro and enjoyed 22 years of playing in the MLB; most notably known for his knuckleball and as a Houston Astro.

Joe Niekro was also Bergman’s fishing partner for 30 years.  Encouraged by his baseball friends over a breakfast in Cooperstown, NY, four years ago,
Bergman created a series of guided fishing trips to the Everglades as a fundraiser for the Joe Niekro Foundation.

The Joe Niekro Foundation was established in 2007 in honor of Joe who lost his life from a sudden cerebral brain aneurysm. The nonprofit foundation is committed to aiding in the research and treatment of aneurysm patients and families. Four all-inclusive, four-night and three-day guided fishing expeditions dubbed The Niekro Tradition of Snook Fishing in the Everglades are available; two in the fall and two in the spring. Bergman himself will be at the helm and accommodations are provided at the Niekro family’s fishing condo in Chokoloskee, FL. Detailed
information about the vacation condo and amenities can be viewed here.

“It’s truly a win-win situation for everyone,” said Bergman. “The donation is tax deductible, less the fair market value of the trip. We always have a
great time and the snook fishing is outstanding. In the past we’ve had husband and wife teams come down, close buddies, brothers. Joe and I were always on the water by 5:40am and we would stay out all day. But we fish now according to our clients.”

When not helping out on and off the field, Bergman is a partner and senior portfolio manager for Sigma Investment Counselors in Southfield.  Thank you Dave for being such and integral part of The Joe Niekro Foundation and continuing to support our casue each and every day.  if you are interested in experiencing this once in a lifetime opportunity, please contact Natalie Niekro at nniekro@joeniekrofoundation.org.