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Collector Bob
Matthews Shares
His Admiration for
Mystery Moe
CORRIE COLF STAFF WRITER
The Matthews Sports Exhibit: Jewish
Heroes & Other Legends, a gift to the com-
munity from Dr. Robert “Bob” and Sandy
Matthews at the Jewish Community Center
in West Bloomfield, is nothing short of a
grand slam for local sports fans. It high-
lights many outstanding athletes, but none
compare to Moe Berg, who is highlighted
on a special wall of fame.
Bob Matthews’
admiration for Moe Berg
began 25 years ago after reading a novel
about the unknown Jewish spy and Major
League catcher. He was fascinated by the
secrecy surrounding Berg and wanted to
dive right into the life of this American
hero. Matthews lent his expertise to film-
maker Aviva Kempner during the making
of the new documentary The Spy Behind
Home Plate.
“I always have been collecting Jewish
and Detroit memorabilia,” says Matthews,
who is in his 80s. He started collecting
sports memorabilia when he was very
young, but says his collection really took
off when the Detroit Tigers won the 1968
World Series.
It wasn’
t until the mid-’
90s when
Matthews discovered Moe Berg, which
fueled his fascination for the mysterious
catcher. “He became my hero,” he says. “I
admired his courage, bravery and his love
June 13 • 2019 37
jn
Bob Matthews stands in front of the Moe Berg
Wall of Fame at the Matthews Sports Exhibit
at the JCC.
COURTESY BOB MATTHEWS
Moe Berg — sometimes called “baseball’
s brainiest player”
COURTESY IRWIN BERG