Lon Berberich
2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
Le Sueur, MN
Le Sueur, MN
Lon Berberich’s passion for baseball began at an early age when he was a batboy for Leavenworth while growing up in his parents’ bar/grocery store in town. As a left-handed first baseman, he worked his way through all levels of youth baseball in Leavenworth. He also played Legion and high school baseball for Sleepy Eye where he was a four-year All-Tomahawk Conference selection. He graduated in 1975 and earned a spot on the first-ever Lions All Star Team that year. He played for Leavenworth’s town team from 1973-79 and was a member of their 1977 State Tournament team while also coaching Leavenworth’s youth teams for eight years which kindled a fire for coaching later in life.
After taking three years off from baseball to pursue his degrees, Lon moved to Henderson in 1983, assuming the role of City Administrator, a position he held for over four decades. He commuted back and forth to manage Leavenworth’s amateur team from 1983-88 leading them to four more state amateur tournaments (two in Class C and two in Class B) and joined the Henderson High School coaching staff as an assistant in 1987. He continued with the Giants following the Le Sueur-Henderson merger in 1990 and managed the Le Sueur Braves amateur team for nine years, leading them to three consecutive appearances at the State Class C Tournament from 1996-1998.
Since 1992, Lon has been instrumental in the Le Sueur-Henderson American Legion program, serving as head coach and director contributing to nine state tournament appearances and two Division II State titles. His dedication to baseball administration also saw him facilitate numerous tournaments and aid in establishing the Henderson Tigers town team helping them to a state tournament berth in 2017.
Since 1989, in addition to his coaching, Lon has either been a league officer or commissioner. He currently serves as a Jr. Legion baseball substate director. Lon received the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Coach of the Year award in 2022 and the Angelo Giuliani Award from the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association in 2023. He is also a long-time member of the Lions Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Henderson.
Known for his glasses at the end of his nose and blending traditional baseball wisdom with modern technology, Lon’s impact on baseball transcends statistics and accolades. His enduring legacy lies in the countless players he has coached, connections he has forged, and lives touched throughout his remarkable baseball journey.
After taking three years off from baseball to pursue his degrees, Lon moved to Henderson in 1983, assuming the role of City Administrator, a position he held for over four decades. He commuted back and forth to manage Leavenworth’s amateur team from 1983-88 leading them to four more state amateur tournaments (two in Class C and two in Class B) and joined the Henderson High School coaching staff as an assistant in 1987. He continued with the Giants following the Le Sueur-Henderson merger in 1990 and managed the Le Sueur Braves amateur team for nine years, leading them to three consecutive appearances at the State Class C Tournament from 1996-1998.
Since 1992, Lon has been instrumental in the Le Sueur-Henderson American Legion program, serving as head coach and director contributing to nine state tournament appearances and two Division II State titles. His dedication to baseball administration also saw him facilitate numerous tournaments and aid in establishing the Henderson Tigers town team helping them to a state tournament berth in 2017.
Since 1989, in addition to his coaching, Lon has either been a league officer or commissioner. He currently serves as a Jr. Legion baseball substate director. Lon received the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Coach of the Year award in 2022 and the Angelo Giuliani Award from the Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Association in 2023. He is also a long-time member of the Lions Club and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Henderson.
Known for his glasses at the end of his nose and blending traditional baseball wisdom with modern technology, Lon’s impact on baseball transcends statistics and accolades. His enduring legacy lies in the countless players he has coached, connections he has forged, and lives touched throughout his remarkable baseball journey.