Hank greenberg baseball bio

About three months after he went into the service, Congress passed a law dictating that men over 28 years old were not to be drafted. On December 5,year-old Sergeant Greenberg was given his discharge. He headed home to Detroit to begin getting ready for the season. But things changed only a few days later, on December 7, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.

Greenberg decided his country still needed him, and enlisted in the Air Corps. I am going back of my own accord. Greenberg was sent to Officer Candidate School, and commissioned as a first lieutenant on graduation. He later spent time in the China-Burma-India Theater. He received his discharge — again — on June 14, By the time he returned to the States, he realized that there were more important things in life than baseball.

He had matured as a man. He rejoined a Tigers team that was in first place, battling for the pennant with the Yankees. In his first game backon July 1,before a capacity crowd at Briggs Stadium, he hit a home run to cap a Tigers win against Philadelphia. Louis, to win the pennant for Detroit. By virtue of his memorable poke, the Tigers had the honor of facing the Chicago Cubs in the Series.

In a seven-game duel, Detroit won its second World Series title. The following season was a mixed bag for Greenberg. At age 35, the Tigers felt that his better days were behind him. Kiner had led the circuit in home runs as a rookie, but he was still a raw talent, undisciplined at the plate. Upon joining the Pirates in spring training, Greenberg immediately took Kiner under his wing, teaching him the finer points of what it takes to be a consistent slugger in the major leagues.

Greenberg gave some heartfelt advice to the young African American trailblazer. Just stay in there and fight back. Always remember to keep your head up. As for Greenberg, he hit 25 home runs in games inwith an unspectacular. His league-leading walks contributed to his fine. The Pirates were awful, at In he played for Beaumont of the Texas League where he began his legacy as a slugger, hitting 39 homers and winning the league MVP while leading Beaumont to the Texas League title.

He also batted. When Greenberg joined the Tigers in Bucky Harris, the manager, refused to play Greenberg because he favored Harry Davis, a slick fielding but light hitting first baseman. Harris placed Greenberg at third base with disastrous results. Greenberg, unhappy with the situation, went to Frank Navin, the owner of the Tigers. Navin worked out a compromise where Greenberg would bat against left-handed pitching and Davis would bat against right-handed pitching.

Greenberg played in games, batted. InHarris was gone and Mickey Cochrane took over as manager. Greenberg and Cochrane hit it off immediately. Cochrane showed his confidence in Greenberg by selling Harry Davis. Greenberg repayed that confidence by leading them to their first pennant since with. They played the St. Greenberg batted. The Tigers' infield, known as the Battalion of Deathdrove in runs, and the Tigers as a team scored runs with only one team coming within runs of that total.

Everyone in the infield drove in runs or more except Owen, who batted in It was also during the season that Greenberg faced a religious dilemma. September 10 was Rosh Hashanahand the Tigers, who led the league by four games in the standings, were playing the Boston Red Sox. Fans and rabbis debated whether Greenberg, who by his accomplishments on the field was winning acceptance for Jews among non-Jewish Americans, should play on the High Holy Days.

Greenberg came up with his own compromise: He played on Rosh Hashanah and hit two home runs that won the game, ; ten days later, he spent Yom Kippur in a synagogueand the Tigers lost. Greenberg, inslugged 36 hanks greenberg baseball bio tied with Jimmie Foxx for the Al titledrove in runs and helped the Tigers to return to the World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

In his second World Series in his first three years in the majors Greenberg seemed destined for greatness. However, in the second game of the series, Greenberg's broke his wrist in a play at home plate. He could not continue in the series but the Tigers still managed to win the Series from the Cubs. It was the first World Series title for the Tigers in five tries.

Twelve games into the season Greenberg had 16 runs batted in the first 12 games, but he broke the same wrist when he had a collision with Washington outfielder Jake Powell. Many felt that Hank's baseball career was over as he sat out the rest of the season. In Greenberg ended the speculation by batting. Greenberg was also voted on to the All-Star Team and on Sept.

During Greenberg was in pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record of During his chase, he had multiple homers in one game 11 times, a record that still stands it was tied by Sammy Sosa in With five games left in the season, Greenberg had 58 homers. He failed to hit another one. He also led the league in runs scored and at-bats per home run 9. Greenberg came in third in the vote for MVP.

In Greenberg was voted to the All-Star Team for the third year in a row. He was second in the league in home runs 33third in the AL in doubles 42 and slugging percentage. The outcomes seemed to underscore Greenberg's importance to his team. One of the greatest factors in Greenberg's development as an all—star player was the installation of catcher Mickey Cochrane as player—manager of the Tigers in Cochrane had been one of the key players of legendary manager Connie Mack 's great Philadelphia Athletics championship teams — Greenberg and Cochrane liked each other immediately and Cochrane made the tall slugger his full—time first baseman.

Previously, Greenberg has been switching from first to third base. Now, with the first—base position his own, Greenberg truly flourished both as a hitter and fielder. Greenberg was part of an infield that was called the "Battalion of Death" because, collectively the players—which included Greenberg at first base, Charley Gehringer at second, Billy Rogell at shortstop, and Marv Owen at third—would drive in runs and bat.

Eventually, four players from the Tigers team would be elected the baseball's Hall of Fame, including Greenberg, Cochrane, Gehringer, and Goose Goslin. The Tigers made it to the World Series once again in against the Chicago Cubsand this time won the championship. Greenberg sparked his team and led the league with 36 home runs and s RBIs.

He was named baseball's most valuable player, the first time a Jewish player was so honored. Unfortunately, Greenberg suffered a broken wrist in the second game of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs and was forced to watch the rest of the series from the dugout. The injury occurred when Cub pitcher Fabian Kowalik hit Greenberg's wrist with a pitch.

Greenberg stayed in the game and even tried to score from first on a two—out single the same inning. Still, the Tigers won the series, and in particularly dramatic fashion: In the bottom of the ninth inning, Goslin singled to drive in Cochrane for the winning run. Greenberg's misfortune carried over into the next year. Twelve games into the season, Greenberg was off to a hot start with 16 RBI.

But during a collision at first base with Washington Senator outfielder Jake Powell, he broke the same wrist, and he was forced to miss the rest of the season. The incident generated much speculation. Some observers suspected that Powell intentionally tried to injure Greenberg. Others predicted the hank greenberg baseball bio meant that Greenberg's career was over.

Not surprisingly, the Tigers did not make it to the World Series that year. Talk of Greenberg's career demise proved way too premature, as he bounced back at full strength in when batted. InGreenberg finished the season with 58 home runs, which were two short of Babe Ruth 's record of The chase to the record came down to an intense final week of the season.

With only five games left, Greenberg was stalled at 58, and the eyes of the sports world were focused sharply on each of his dwindling at—bats. During that five—game span, many pitchers walked Greenberg instead of pitching straight at him. Some observers felt that the pitchers were denying a Jewish player the chance to break the beloved Babe's record.

Still, Greenberg never voiced any complaints, suspicions, or frustrations. He just went out and did his job. On the last day of the season, the Tigers were playing the Cleveland Indians in a doubleheader in Cleveland. In the first game, Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller struck out a record 18 batters, including Greenberg, who had fanned twice.

Amazingly enough, Feller still lost the game. In the second game, Greenberg doubled off the left—centerfield fence but never managed to drive the ball over the wall. As the second game reached the late innings, the late afternoon twilight began to darken the field, dimming Greenberg's hopes of breaking the record. In the Baseball Biography Project website, Ralph Berger recorded the following: Umpire George Moriarity allowed the game to proceed for as long as was reasonably possible, but eventually it just became too dark.

He ruefully told Greenberg, "I'm sorry, Hank, this is as far as I can go. Still, it was another outstanding year for Greenberg. In addition to the 58 home runs, he drove in runs and batted. He did manage to tie Jimme Foxx's record for season home runs for a right—handed hitter, and he set the record for most multi—homer games in one season with eleven.

Greenberg had another fine season in —42 doubles, 33 home runs, RBIs. That year, some observers raised questions about the legality of Greenberg's first baseman's glove. They said it was too large and had two many laces, which gave him an unfair advantages in catching a ball. The commissioner's office examined the glove and indicated that it was, indeed, illegal.

In addition, the Tiger's fortunes had fallen and, at the end of the hank greenberg baseball bio, the team fell into fifth place. Tiger management asked Greenberg if he would take a cut in pay and move to left field, so that they could bring the strong—hitting, poor—fielding Rudy York into the lineup by positioning him at first base.

At first, Greenberg was loathe to make the switch, as he had worked hard at becoming a good first baseman. Now his team wanted him to learn a new position and, on top of that, take a salary cut. Greenberg made a counter—proposal. He would learn the new position, but keep his current salary. The Tiger's agreed to his terms, and Greenberg would report to the next spring training trying to learn a new position.

But more important than all of those issues were the dark clouds forming over Europe. Hitler's armies were invading neighboring countries, while Germany's allies, Italy and Japan, were equally aggressive. As a Jew, Greenberg keenly understood that implications that the world events would have on him and on people of his faith. Additionally, he was third in the AL in slugging percentage.

Detroit fans grumbled at the decision, however, with one reportedly saying, "Rosh Hashanah comes every year but the Tigers haven't won the pennant since Columnist and poet Edgar A. We shall miss him on the infield and shall miss him at the bat. But he's true to his religion — and I honor him for that! The Detroit press was not so kind regarding the Yom Kippur decision, nor were many fans, but Greenberg in his autobiography recalled that he received a standing ovation from congregants at Congregation Shaarey Zedek when he arrived.

They went on to face the St. InGreenberg led the league in RBIstotal basesand extra base hits 98tied Foxx for the AL title in home runs 36was 2nd in the league in doubles 46slugging percentage. That season, Greenberg led the Tigers to another pennant. However, during Game 2, he sprained his wrist and was sidelined for the remainder of the series as the Tigers won their first World Series title.

Hank greenberg baseball bio

In AprilGreenberg re-injured his wrist in a collision with Jake Powell of the Washington Senators and did not play the remainder of the season. He finished the season with 16 hits, 1 home run, and 15 RBIs in 12 games. InGreenberg recovered from his injury and was voted to the AL All-Star roster, but did not play. On September 19,he hit the first home run into the center-field bleachers at Yankee Stadium.

He led the AL by driving in runs third all-time, behind Hack Wilson in and Lou Gehrig inand in extra-base hitswhile batting. He was second in the league in home runs 40doubles 49total basesslugging percentage. A prodigious home run hitter, Greenberg narrowly missed breaking Babe Ruth 's single-season home run record inwhen he hit 58 home runs, leading the league for the second time.

Greenberg matched what was then the single-season home run record by a right-handed batter, Jimmie Foxx; the mark stood for 66 years until it was broken by Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire in Greenberg also had a 59th home run washed away in a rainout. It has been long speculated that Greenberg was intentionally walked late in the season to prevent him from breaking Ruth's record, but Greenberg dismissed this speculation, calling it "crazy stories".

Greenberg was again voted to the AL All-Star roster inbut because he was not named to the AL All-Star roster and was benched in the game, he declined to accept a starting position on the AL team and did not play the NL won 4—1. He led the league in runs scored and at-bats per home run 9. He also set a major-league record with 11 multiple-home run games and came in third in the vote for MVP, behind Jimmie Foxx and Bill Dickey.

InGreenberg was voted to the AL All-Star roster for the third year in a row and was a starter at first base, and singled and walked in four at-bats AL won 3—1. He finished second in the AL in home runs 33 and strikeouts 95third in doubles 42 and slugging percentage. He was asked to move from first base to left field to accommodate Rudy Yorkwho was one of the best young hitters of his generation; York was tried at catcher, third baseman, and outfielder and proved to be a defensive liability at each position.

Greenberg received his bonus at the end of spring training. InGreenberg switched from playing the first base position to the left field position. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Greenberg and Lou Finney were sent into the game to replace right fielder Charlie Keller and left fielder Ted Williamswith Greenberg playing in left field and Finney in right field.

Greenberg batted twice in the game and fouled out to the catcher twice. That season, Greenberg led the AL in home runs for the third time in six years with 41; in RBIsdoubles 50total basesextra-base hits 99at-bats per home run Greenberg finished second in the league to Williams in runs scored and OBP. Greenberg admitted in his autobiography after his career ended that he had taken part in sign stealing in September season, which was inspired by teammates Tommy Bridges and Pinky Higginswho noticed that the new rifle they used for their hunt had a telescopic lens that could read signs when in the stands in the outfield.

He also said that sign stealing was going on in the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox teams. On October 16,Greenberg became the first American League player to register for the nation's first peacetime draft. In the spring ofthe Detroit draft board initially classified Greenberg as 4F for " flat feet " after his first physical for military service, and he was recommended for light duty.

The rumors that he had bribed the board, and concern that he would be likened to Jack Dempsey who had received negative publicity for failure to serve in World War Iled Greenberg to request to be reexamined. On April 18, he was found fit for regular military service and was reclassified. On May 7,he was inducted into the U. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States officially joining the war effort, Greenberg re-enlisted as a sergeant on February 1,and volunteered for service in the Army Air Forcesbecoming the first major league player to do so.

He graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Air Corps the new "Air Force" service retained the old name for its own logistics and training elements and was assigned to the Physical Education Program. In Februaryhe was sent to the U. Army Special Services school. Promoted to captainhe requested overseas duty later that year and served in the China-Burma-India Theater for over six months, scouting locations for B bomber bases and was a physical training officer with the 58th Bomber Wing.

He was ordered to New York, and in lateto Richmond, Virginia. Greenberg served 47 months, the longest of any major league player. Greenberg remained in military uniform until he was placed on the military inactive list and discharged from the U. Army on June 14, He was the first major league player to return to the majors after the war. In his first game back on July 1, he hit a home run.

The All-Star Gamescheduled for July 10, had been officially cancelled on April 24 and Major League Baseball did not name All-Stars that season due to strict travel restrictions in place during the last days of the war. Greenberg, who played left field in 72 games and batted. Louis Brownsavoiding a one-game playoff against the now-second-place Washington Senators.

Greenberg homered in Game 2, where he batted in three runs in a 4—1 Tigers win, and hit a two-run homer in in the eighth inning of Game 6 that tied the score 8—8; the Cubs went on to win that game with a run in the bottom of the 12th. Inhe returned to peak form and playing at first base. He was second in slugging percentage. InGreenberg and the Tigers had a lengthy salary dispute.

When Greenberg decided to retire rather than play for less, Detroit sold his hank greenberg baseball bio to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Team co-owner Bing Crosby recorded a song, "Goodbye, Mr. The Pirates also reduced the size of Forbes Field 's cavernous left field, renaming the section "Greenberg Gardens" to accommodate Greenberg's pull-hitting style.

Greenberg played first base for the Pirates in and his time there coincided with the arrival of Jackie Robinson in the Major Leagues. He was one of the few opposing players to publicly welcome Robinson to the majors at a time when most opposing players were openly hostile. Greenberg himself had faced hostilities from opposing players and spectators who often shouted antisemitic slurs at him during games and, hence, knew what Robinson was going through.

Afterwards, Greenberg asked if Robinson was alright and encouraged him to "Stick in there. Keep your chin up. It sticks out all over Mr. That year he also had a chance to mentor a young future Hall-of-Famer, the year-old Ralph Kiner. Greenberg was impressed by the rookie, later saying of him, "Ralph had a natural home run swing. All he needed was somebody to teach him the value of hard work and self-discipline.

Early in the morning on off-days, every chance we got, we worked on hitting. In his final season ofGreenberg tied for the league lead in walks withwith a. Greenberg became the first major league player to hit 25 or more home runs in a season in each league. Despite still being productive, Greenberg decided to retire as a player to take a front-office post with the Cleveland Indians.

No player had ever retired after a final season in which they hit so many home runs. It is speculated that, had it not been for his hank greenberg baseball bio in World War II, Greenberg would likely have approached home runs and 1, RBIs; he missed all but 19 games of the season, the three full seasons that followed, and most of to World War II military service.

Starring as a first baseman and left fielder with the Tigers—46 and doing duty only briefly with the PiratesGreenberg played nine full seasons. He compiled home runs, 1, runs and 1, RBIs in 1, games. Greenberg was also an excellent contact hitter, earning a lifetime batting average of. As a fielder, the 6 ft 4 in 1. Over the course of his career he demonstrated a higher-than-average fielding percentage and range at first base.

When asked by the Tigers' front office to move to left field in to make room for Rudy Yorkhe worked tirelessly to master that position as well, reducing his errors in the outfield from 15 in to 0 in During his career, Greenberg faced a number of antisemitic incidents, racial slurs from both spectators and opposing players. Other players sometimes stared because they had never before seen a Jew.

According to sportswriter Ross NewhanGreenberg may have encountered more bigotry over his career than any player other than Jackie Robinson. On another occasion he called out the entire Yankees team, daring the perpetrator to reveal himself. In the World Seriesumpire George Moriarty warned three Chicago Cubs players to stop yelling antisemitic slurs at Greenberg and eventually cleared the players from the Cubs bench.

Moriarty was disciplined for this action by then-commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. Greenberg initially resented being singled out as a Jewish ballplayer and, unlike his parents, was not a particularly observant Jew. However, he later accepted his place in baseball, saying:.