Henry Clement "Heinie" Peitz (November 28, 1870 – October 23, 1943) was an American professional baseball catcher.

At the time of the 1880 United States census, the family lived in St. Louis, and Peitz's father was employed as a laborer.

[5] The St. Louis Browns acquired Peitz in the fall of 1892, and he made his Major League Baseball debut in the final game of the season in October 1892.

[1] While catching for the Browns, Peitz teamed up with left-handed pitcher Ted Breitenstein, and the pair became known as the "Pretzel Battery.

In the "Cardinals Encyclopedia", authors Mike Eisenbath and Stan Musial wrote that The "Pretzel Battery" was "one of the few things exciting about St. Louis's National League team those first few seasons.

"[4] The nickname reportedly developed when the pair were drinking beer and eating pretzels after a game, when a fan noticed them and yelled, "Look, it's the 'pretzel battery'.

[1] Described as "a rough and ready catcher from the old school", Peitz also worked as a "floorwalker" in a Cincinnati pub during the off season.

"[14] After the 1906 season, Pittsburgh manager Fred Clarke sent Peitz to the minors, releasing him to the Louisville Colonels of the American Association.

"[12] When Peitz was sent to Louisville, The Pittsburgh Press noted: When it comes to steady backstopping and the intelligent handling of pitchers, so as to get the best possible results out of their work, the German veteran is there with the best of them.

Peitz was presented with a diamond ring by his players and "local admirers" after leading the team to the pennant.

[16] Peitz was released by Louisville in July 1910 and played briefly during the 1910 season with the Lancaster Lanks of the Ohio State League.

His cheery voice was an inspiration to the players on base and, as a matter of whispered fact, there were qualities in that sarcastic little yelp of his that never helped the fellow (pitcher) on the firing line.

"[22] In September 1914, after being released by the Cardinals, Peitz signed to coach the Kansas City Blues of the American Association.

[28] At the time of the 1930 United States census, Peitz was living in Norwood, Ohio with his wife, Martha.

Others participating in the game included Tris Speaker, Honus Wagner, Nick Altrock and Cy Young.