CHUCK
BEARINT was born on June 17, 1925. to Edward
Bearint and his wife Clara. The family lived in the Cramer
Hill section of Camden. Edward
Bearint worked as a rigger in one of Camden's many
shipyards. The Bearint family owned a home at 1019 North
26th Street.
Chuck
Bearint was one of three brothers from Camden who all played
professional baseball. Older brother Elwood Bearint was signed
by the Philadelphia Athletics and played for one of the A's farm
clubs before an injury ended his chances as a major league
prospect. Another older brother, Paul Bearint, played for
several years before and after World War II in the New York
Yankees and Philadelphia Athletics. All three brothers were
stars for many years in the semi-pro leagues in and around
Camden.
He was a three-sport athlete
in 1942 and 1943 under the guidance of Grover “Worm”
Wearshing at Woodrow Wilson High School. Chuck was the All Group III catcher
both years hitting .360 and .405. After the 1943 season he joined George Patton’s 3rd
Army, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he received four battle
stars.
Upon discharge, Chuck signed with the Philadelphia Athletics, who optioned him to
the Chicago Cubs, where he played in 1946 with their Welch, West Virginia farm team of
the Appalachian League. He was hitting .400 when he broke his ankle and spent the rest of
the season recuperating.
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