continued on page 38

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