The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg

[Hermod]

*gasp* My rabbi lied! For years!

I googled "hang greenberg yom kippur" and learned that Greenberg didn't miss a world series game to attend shul.

I hope he atones next year for the falsehood.

Jim Lonberg of the Red Sox skipped the opening game of the 67 series for Yom Kippur. He then pitched the 2nd and 5th game. He tried to pitch the 7th game but was worn out from the 5th game. Dick Williams wanted Lonberg to pitch the 1st, 4th, and 7th which was doable.

[kellyroad]

It's hard to believe any of today's players would report early or volunteer for military service.

It's amazing that a man of his stature in baseball requested that much outfield practice when Rudy York took his place at 1st base. In the American League now days Greenberg would be the DH.

[zitro]

This is an article that references Hank and Sandy Koufax missing games due to Yom Kippur.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com/arti...d_koufax.shtml

[zitro]

I got a kick out of of this. No Bull!!

[zitro]

This shows a hommah he hit at Comiskey

[zitro]

Third Baseman Marv Owen, The Mechanical Man, Councilman Rogell and Hammerin' Hank

[Detroitej72]

One did, and it got him killed. By his own troops no less!

Yes, Pat Tillman is an American Hero, he paid the ultimate sacrifice.

[scribe114]

It's hard to believe any of today's players would report early or volunteer for military service.

1.There is no draft,

2.The desire or NEED to join the military to get a jump start in life is not as prevalent for any professional athlete. WWII was a very different time in our countries history, and professional athletes were not that far removed from the average working stiff. There was an expectation at that time to do whatever possible to support the war effort.

The military is structured totally different in this day and age as well, and we are fighting a two-block war in Iraq and Afghanistan that does not have a vast amount of support from the American public. So service to country is not emphasized anymore or romanticized as it was in previous generations.

I would be suprised if most of the posters in this forum here have or would want their children to serve in the military in this day and age.

I served 20 years in the Marine Corps,

Now back to our discussion of Mr.Greenberg, saw the film when it was released in the theatre in 2000. Great film, but a bit heavy on the anti-semitism aspect like the ESPN Sportscentury Documentary, and not on him being one helluva' baseball player, and one of the top run-producers in MLB history.

Greenberg was asked to move to left because Rudy York was an Iron-Glove wherever they tried him. he came up as a catcher and was tried at 3b and LF to keep his bat in the lineup, 1b turned out to be the only place where York would not be a defensive liability.

Greenberg also needed the protection in the lineup and run-production that York provided. So in the long run, it was the best option for the Tigers since giving York a permanent position his hitting would get on track as well. Greenberg was asked to take a pay cut after an off-year in 1939 but negotiated the $10,000 raise because he was taking all the risks in making a position change to the outfield.

Hank said in his biography he actually enjoyed playing the outfield and considered it less "stressful" by not being involved with every play in the infield and fighting for calls with the umpires. He could just focus on his hitting and produced his highest batting average .340 he led the AL in HR and RBI with 41 and 150. York hit .316 33 HR 134 RBI's.

Hope this info helps a bit.

[daddeeo]

I was surprised that there was a review of the film in THE WEEK after so many years. Guess it was rereleased.
As far as being heavy handed, some folks need the point pounded into their thick skulls about what he overcame to be successful.
In this age of information, there are still holocaust disbelievers. Greenberg was a pioneer much like Jackie Robinson. I'd rather see over emphasis than under playing what he went through.

[Hermod]

It's amazing that a man of his stature in baseball requested that much outfield practice when Rudy York took his place at 1st base. In the American League now days Greenberg would be the DH.

Greenberg asked Barney McCoskey, who was a very good centerifelder to teach him the finer points of playing the outfield. McCoskey worked with Greenberg right through spring training and into the season. Greenberg bought McCoskey a new suit to thank him.

McCoskey was a great fielder in CF and a high average batter with little power. The Tigers traded McCoskey to the Athletics May 18, 1946 even up for 3B George Kell. This was a great trade for the Tigers because 1948 was McCoskey's last good year. The Tigers had an embarrassment of riches in the outfield with Pat Mullin, Dick Wakefield, Hoot Evers, Vic Wertz, Johnny Groth, Roy Cullenbine, Johnny Outlaw, and Doc Cramer all in the system.