Greenberg has drawn a walk 956 times while being called out on strikes on 917 attempts. His OBP is .412 and he has a career OPS of .293. He has scored 1,117 runs and has 1,348 runs batted in. He has hit it out of the park 356 times, in addition to having 3,334 bases in total and also a -.118 slugging percentage. During the 5,595 official at-bats in his MLB career, Greenberg has accumulated a batting average of .309 in addition to having 1,728 base hits.
On the year, Greenberg has scored 71 runs, recorded 74 RBI and has earned 25 home runs. He has struck out 73 times while accruing 192 bases in total. He is sitting with an OPS of 0.885 in addition to a slugging % of .478. He has earned a free base 104 times and is sitting with an OBP of .408. Greenberg has accounted for 100 base hits in 402 at-bats and holds a batting average of .249.
| Year | Team | BA | HR | H | BB | R | RBI | OBP | PA | AB | OPS | OPS+ | 2B | 3B | G | SLG | SB | CS | TB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | .313 | 331 | 1,628 | 852 | 1,046 | 1,274 | .412 | 6,098 | 5,193 | 1.017 | 159 | 379 | 71 | 1,394 | .605 | 58 | 30 | 3,142 | 844 | |
| 1947 | PIT | .249 | 25 | 100 | 104 | 71 | 74 | .408 | 510 | 402 | .885 | 132 | 13 | 2 | 125 | .478 | 0 | 4 | 192 | 73 |
| 1946 | DET | .277 | 44 | 145 | 80 | 90 | 127 | .373 | 604 | 523 | .977 | 162 | 29 | 5 | 142 | .604 | 5 | 1 | 316 | 88 |
| 1945 | DET | .311 | 13 | 84 | 42 | 46 | 60 | .404 | 312 | 270 | .948 | 166 | 20 | 2 | 78 | .544 | 3 | 1 | 147 | 40 |
| 1941 | DET | .269 | 2 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 12 | .410 | 83 | 67 | .872 | 121 | 5 | 1 | 19 | .463 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 12 |
| 1940 | DET | .340 | 41 | 195 | 93 | 129 | 150 | .433 | 671 | 573 | 1.103 | 171 | 50 | 8 | 148 | .670 | 6 | 3 | 384 | 75 |
| 1939 | DET | .312 | 33 | 156 | 91 | 111 | 113 | .420 | 604 | 500 | 1.042 | 156 | 42 | 7 | 138 | .622 | 8 | 3 | 311 | 95 |
| 1938 | DET | .315 | 58 | 175 | 119 | 143 | 147 | .438 | 681 | 556 | 1.122 | 169 | 23 | 4 | 155 | .683 | 7 | 5 | 380 | 92 |
| 1937 | DET | .337 | 40 | 200 | 102 | 137 | 184 | .436 | 701 | 594 | 1.105 | 172 | 49 | 14 | 154 | .668 | 8 | 3 | 397 | 101 |
| 1936 | DET | .348 | 1 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 15 | .455 | 55 | 46 | 1.085 | 165 | 6 | 2 | 12 | .630 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 6 |
| 1935 | DET | .328 | 36 | 203 | 87 | 120 | 168 | .411 | 710 | 619 | 1.039 | 170 | 46 | 16 | 152 | .628 | 4 | 3 | 389 | 91 |
| 1934 | DET | .339 | 26 | 201 | 63 | 118 | 139 | .404 | 667 | 593 | 1.005 | 156 | 63 | 7 | 153 | .600 | 9 | 5 | 356 | 93 |
| 1933 | DET | .301 | 12 | 135 | 46 | 59 | 85 | .367 | 499 | 449 | .835 | 119 | 33 | 3 | 117 | .468 | 6 | 2 | 210 | 78 |
| 1930 | DET | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | .000 | 1 | 1 | .000 | -100 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Hank Greenberg, often hailed as one of the greatest sluggers in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, left an indelible mark on the sport. His contributions to baseball, both on and off the field, have made him a revered figure among fans and historians alike. This article delves into Greenberg’s illustrious career, his impressive statistics, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Entry into Baseball
Born on January 1, 1911, in New York City, Henry Benjamin Greenberg grew up in a Jewish immigrant family. From a young age, Greenberg displayed a passion for sports, excelling in basketball and baseball during his high school years. His talent on the diamond quickly caught the attention of scouts, and he was soon signed by the Detroit Tigers.
Rise to Stardom
Greenberg made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1930. Though his initial appearances were limited, his potential was undeniable. By 1933, he had cemented his place as a regular starter, showcasing his powerful hitting abilities. Over the next few years, Greenberg’s prowess as a first baseman and outfielder became evident, helping the Tigers achieve significant success.
Hank Greenberg’s Baseball Stats
Greenberg’s career statistics are a testament to his remarkable skills and consistency as a player. Over a 13-year career, primarily with the Detroit Tigers, he achieved impressive numbers that solidified his place among baseball’s elite.
Batting Achievements
Greenberg was known for his exceptional power hitting. He recorded 331 home runs and 1,276 runs batted in (RBIs) during his career. His batting average stood at an impressive .313, reflecting his ability to consistently get on base and drive in runs. Greenberg’s prowess at the plate earned him two American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, in 1935 and 1940.
Defensive Skills
While Greenberg’s hitting was his hallmark, he was also a formidable defensive player. As a first baseman, he displayed solid fielding skills, contributing to his team’s overall defensive strength. His versatility allowed him to transition to the outfield later in his career, where he continued to excel.
Hank Greenberg Baseball Card: A Collector’s Treasure
For baseball card enthusiasts, Hank Greenberg’s cards are highly sought after. His rookie card, released in 1934 as part of the Goudey set, is considered a prized possession among collectors. The card features Greenberg in his Detroit Tigers uniform, capturing the essence of his early career.
Value and Rarity
The value of Greenberg’s baseball cards varies based on their condition and rarity. Mint-condition cards can fetch substantial amounts at auctions and are coveted by collectors worldwide. The allure of owning a piece of baseball history, especially one associated with a player of Greenberg’s caliber, adds to the cards’ appeal.
Overcoming Adversity
Greenberg’s career was not without challenges. As one of the few Jewish players in MLB during his time, he faced significant anti-Semitic prejudice from fans and opposing players. Despite these obstacles, Greenberg remained steadfast and used his platform to advocate for tolerance and equality in sports.
Military Service
Greenberg’s commitment to his country was evident when he enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. He was one of the first MLB stars to enlist, serving from 1941 to 1945. His service interrupted his baseball career, but upon returning, he quickly regained his form and continued to contribute to the game he loved.
Legacy and Impact on Baseball
Hank Greenberg’s impact on baseball extends beyond his statistics and accolades. His courage in the face of adversity and his dedication to the sport have left a lasting legacy. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956, a testament to his significant contributions to the game.
Influence on Future Generations
Greenberg’s story has inspired countless young athletes, particularly those from minority backgrounds. His resilience and success in overcoming prejudice serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring players facing similar challenges.
Post-Retirement Contributions
After retiring from baseball, Greenberg remained involved in the sport, serving as an executive for the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox. His insights and leadership helped shape the teams’ strategies and contributed to their successes.
Conclusion
Hank Greenberg’s legacy as a legendary MLB baseball player is well-deserved. His impressive stats, including his home runs and batting average, are a testament to his skill and dedication. Beyond the numbers, Greenberg’s impact on baseball and society as a whole continues to be felt. His story is one of perseverance, excellence, and courage, making him a true icon of the sport.
In the annals of baseball history, Hank Greenberg’s name stands as a symbol of greatness, both as an athlete and as a person who transcended the barriers of his time. His contributions to the game and his unwavering commitment to equality and justice ensure that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
