5 Facts About Doc Cramer's Connection To Manahawkin, LBI

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — If you live in Manahawkin, you've most likely heard of Doc Cramer at least through the sports complex and the street named after him.

Cramer played Major League Baseball from 1929-48 for four different teams: the Athletics (then in Philadelphia), Red Sox, Washington Senators and Tigers, winning the World Series with Detroit in 1945.

Cramer put together a remarkable career, leading the American League in singles five seasons and leading the league in hits in 1940 for the Red Sox.

He was born July 22, 1905 in Beach Haven and died on this day 30 years ago in Manahawkin. On this solemn anniversary, here are a few facts about Cramer's connection with the local area.

'Typical Jersey Shore Kid'

Cramer was born on Long Beach Island to John Roger and Eva Jean (Sprague) Cramer, according to echoesoflbi.com. They moved to Manahawkin when he was an infant.

The website describes Cramer as a "typical Jersey Shore kid." As a child, he did his chores, swam, fished, hunted and, of course, played baseball.

How He Earned the Nickname

Roger Cramer earned the monicker "Doc" because of his friendship growing up with a local physician named Joshua Hilliard, according to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). Cramer often accompanied Hilliard on house calls to patients and travelled to nearby Manahawkin for many.

Baseball Origins

Cramer first played baseball on the Beach Haven sandlots with his brother, cousins and friends, according to SABR. He and Hilliard also played consistently.

The left-handed hitter and his family members also formed a baseball team of their own: the Sprague and Cramer club. He pitched and played center field, second base and catcher for the Manahawkin High varsity team, SABR says.

Getting Discovered In LBI

Cramer played for a semipro Beach Haven team when Cy Perkins, a scout for the Athletics, spotted him, according to echosoflbi.com. Perkins invited Cramer to Philadelphia to meet the team owner.

Although though his father didn't want him to go, Cramer visited Philadelphia and met the legendary Connie Mack, who signed Cramer for $3,500.

Cramer's presence brought some big leaguers to the area, which brought more jobs to the island. Babe Ruth often visited and went gunning with Cramer. He also had legendary ballplayers such as Jimmie Foxx over at his house, according to SABR.

Life After Playing Ball

After baseball, Cramer spent most of his life as a carpenter. He built many houses on LBI and in Beach Haven West and even built his own house in Manahawkin.

He continued watching baseball, attending Phillies games and meeting up with old acquaintances such as Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg.

Cramer was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Cedar Run.

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