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Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes
Baseball in the 1930s was more than a national pastime; it was a cultural touchstone that galvanized communities and gave a struggling country its heroes despite the woes of the Depression. Hank Greenberg, one of the most exciting sluggers in baseball history, gave the people of Detroit a reason to be proud. But America was facing more than economic hardship. With the Nazis gaining power across Europe, political and social tensions were approaching a boiling point. As one of the few Jewish athletes competing nationally, Hank Greenberg became not only an iconic ball player, but also an important and sometimes controversial symbol of Jewish identity and the American immigrant experience. When Hank joined the Detroit Tigers in 1933, they were headed for a dismal fifth-place season finish. The following year, with Hank leading the charge, they were fighting off the Yankees for the pennant. As his star ascended, he found himself cheered wherever he went. But there were other noises also. On and off the field, he met with taunts and anti-Semitic threats. Yet the hardship only drove him on to greater heights, sharing the spotlight with the most legendary sluggers of the day, including Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, and Lou Gehrig. Hank Greenberg offers an intimate account of the man’s life on and off the field. It is a portrait of integrity, triumph over adversity, and one of the greatest baseball players to ever grace the field.
392 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
20 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
John Rosengren
18 books21 followersJohn Rosengren is the award-winning author of eight books and hundreds of magazine articles.
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August 16, 2016
Hank Greenberg: Hero of Heroes by John Rosengren is a comprehensive biography of Hank Greenberg, the first Jewish baseball star, who is still regarded by many as the greatest Jewish baseball player of all time. In this volume, Rosengren regales his readers with stories of Greenberg the ball player and Hank the man, allowing us insights on what it was like to be a Jewish major league ball player during the 1930s.
Before Sandy Koufax sat out on Yom Kippur and even before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, Hank Greenberg prowled first base for the Detroit Tigers. A son of Jewish immigrants from Romania, Greenberg, who stood at six feet four inches tall did not fit the mold of the weak, Jewish stereotype of the day. As anti-Semitic feelings spread throughout Europe and made their way to United States soil, Greenberg gave American Jews something to cheer about. In 1935 with the Tigers fighting for their first pennant in 24 years, Greenberg asked for and received rabbis' blessings to play on Rosh Hashanah. He answered fans' prayers by hitting two home runs and lifting the Bengals, as they were called, to the pennant. Jewish pride surged throughout the Detroit Jewish community, and Greenberg became an instant hero for Jewish children throughout the country.
As Greenberg hit his way into the record books in what was to be a hall of fame career, he faced anti Semitic sentiments from many players who had never faced a Jew before. The same players who a decade later would call Robinson the "n" word, called Greenberg "Jew bastard" and other ethnic slurs. Yet, Hank met these derogatory remarks with dignity, even though on the field it distanced him from his teammates. All the while, the fact that he stood up to the hatred thrown at him made Greenberg a hero of heroes to all American Jews.
Greenberg was the first major league ball player to enlist in the army in 1941 at the height of his career and served a full four years. Before he returned stateside, he flew dangerous missions over the Himalayas to deliver arms to forces stationed in the Far East. Sabermetrics' experts calculated that had Hank not served in the armed forces, he could have conceivably hit 600 home runs. Yet, it was his patriotic duty as an American Jew to fight the axis powers. Upon his return, he became an even greater hero, both for his role in the service and for leading the Tigers to the 1945 World Series crown despite being past his prime and weakened from four years away from baseball.
While I have heard many stories about Greenberg hitting 58 home runs in a single season and feeling Jewish pride as I read his statistics, I did not know much about Greenberg the person prior to reading this book. Rosengren researched interviews from as many as eighty years ago to write this gem of a book. Not only was Hank Greenberg a hall of fame ball player, he shined as an innovative baseball executive, stock trader, and tennis player in his later years. With his work ethic and attention to detail, Greenberg inevitably would have succeeded in any profession he would had chose.
After reading Hank Greenberg: Hero of Heroes, I know more insights into the first Jewish star on the ball field. Fighting anti Semitic epithets and showing that Jews were not a weak race in the 1930s, Greenberg became a hero for Jews worldwide. An enjoyable book which I rate 4 stars, I recommend Hero of Heroes to all baseball and Jewish cultural historians.
Before Sandy Koufax sat out on Yom Kippur and even before Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier, Hank Greenberg prowled first base for the Detroit Tigers. A son of Jewish immigrants from Romania, Greenberg, who stood at six feet four inches tall did not fit the mold of the weak, Jewish stereotype of the day. As anti-Semitic feelings spread throughout Europe and made their way to United States soil, Greenberg gave American Jews something to cheer about. In 1935 with the Tigers fighting for their first pennant in 24 years, Greenberg asked for and received rabbis' blessings to play on Rosh Hashanah. He answered fans' prayers by hitting two home runs and lifting the Bengals, as they were called, to the pennant. Jewish pride surged throughout the Detroit Jewish community, and Greenberg became an instant hero for Jewish children throughout the country.
As Greenberg hit his way into the record books in what was to be a hall of fame career, he faced anti Semitic sentiments from many players who had never faced a Jew before. The same players who a decade later would call Robinson the "n" word, called Greenberg "Jew bastard" and other ethnic slurs. Yet, Hank met these derogatory remarks with dignity, even though on the field it distanced him from his teammates. All the while, the fact that he stood up to the hatred thrown at him made Greenberg a hero of heroes to all American Jews.
Greenberg was the first major league ball player to enlist in the army in 1941 at the height of his career and served a full four years. Before he returned stateside, he flew dangerous missions over the Himalayas to deliver arms to forces stationed in the Far East. Sabermetrics' experts calculated that had Hank not served in the armed forces, he could have conceivably hit 600 home runs. Yet, it was his patriotic duty as an American Jew to fight the axis powers. Upon his return, he became an even greater hero, both for his role in the service and for leading the Tigers to the 1945 World Series crown despite being past his prime and weakened from four years away from baseball.
While I have heard many stories about Greenberg hitting 58 home runs in a single season and feeling Jewish pride as I read his statistics, I did not know much about Greenberg the person prior to reading this book. Rosengren researched interviews from as many as eighty years ago to write this gem of a book. Not only was Hank Greenberg a hall of fame ball player, he shined as an innovative baseball executive, stock trader, and tennis player in his later years. With his work ethic and attention to detail, Greenberg inevitably would have succeeded in any profession he would had chose.
After reading Hank Greenberg: Hero of Heroes, I know more insights into the first Jewish star on the ball field. Fighting anti Semitic epithets and showing that Jews were not a weak race in the 1930s, Greenberg became a hero for Jews worldwide. An enjoyable book which I rate 4 stars, I recommend Hero of Heroes to all baseball and Jewish cultural historians.
September 21, 2013
This is a story of a man and his ethnicity, and the impact of both on baseball history. In some ways, although not the first Jew in baseball, Greenberg faced some of the same hatred as Jackie Robinson but to a lesser degree.
The story reveals the inner conflict that Greenberg had as an idol to the Jewish community,even if he was not a devout Jew, and his loyalty to the team. He carried an immense burden not only to succeed for himself, since he was not naturally gifted as an athlete, but also for his people.
He was a fierce competitor, demanded every ounce of sweat from himself, and asked the same of others. That philosophy often translated into conflicts with players and management as he evolved into a GM, Vice President, and even part owner of teams.
Can I say this compares favorably to Al Stump's Ty Cobb? No, but then again Stump's version may have been partial fabrication. Something is lacking in this portrayal that I can't put my finger on. Perhaps we don't really get to know Greenberg as much as we do Cobb,Mantle, Clemens, Gehrig, or DiMaggio. Or maybe Greenberg just wasn't as colorful so the story lacks the humor or intensity of the other players. In any event the book is worth reading about a Hall of Famer who lost over 4 years serving in World War 11 and would have likely had at least 500 homeruns if not for that service. His 183 RBI's in one season is still a remarkable accomplishment for any era
July 27, 2013
Prior to reading this book, I must admit that I did not know much about Hank Greenberg. I knew he was a power hitter who had played for Detroit and that was about it. Rosengren not only develops a complete picture of Greenberg as a baseball player, but tells the reader much about his life outside the game as well. Hank began playing for Detroit in the 1930’s when Hitler was coming to power and there was a rising wave of anti-semitism. Much like Jackie Robinson in the next decade, Greenberg rose above the threats and abuse directed at him while maintaining his own dignity and demonstrating his superior performance as a baseball player. Sportswriter Bill Boeder said that Greenberg was, “One of basball’s true aristocrats as a player and a gentleman.” (pg. 295) Here are a few of his accomplishments: he was a two time MVP, four time American League home run king (once hitting fifty eight home runs!), four time AL RBI leader (with an amazing 183 RBI in one season!!!), and he had a career .313 batting average. All of this from a man who was not a natural athlete. Greenberg was big and strong, but he lacked speed and grace. He overcame his deficiencies with a work ethic that saw him practice every aspect of his game over and over again, and a keen insight into how he could best use his talents. He even took dance lessons to try to improve his footwork. His overall numbers would undoubtedly have been even more impressive if his service in the military during World War Two had not taken him from baseball in his prime. He returned to baseball after the war, but though he still was an impressive player he played in pain, and the game was much harder for him than it had been previously. After his playing days were over Hank stayed involved in baseball as a General Manager for the Cleveland Indians, working with Bill Veeck and as a minority owner of several clubs. He was respected in the community of baseball and was nominated to be the commissioner more than once. Greenberg wasn’t perfect, but as the title of the book suggests he was a hero. This is an informative biography sure to please any baseball fan.
February 13, 2015
Hank Greenberg - two-time MVP, two-time World Series champ, twice led the league in runs scored, twice led the league in doubles, four-time AL home run king, four AL RBI titles, and a .313 lifetime batting average. He slugged fifty-eight home runs in a single 154-game season and knocked in 183 runs in another. When his country called him to war, he went. He was Jewish, he was an American and he was an amazing ballplayer. After his divorce in 1958, he sought and won custody of his three children. They don't make men like Hank anymore.
July 3, 2022
Rosengren gives a solid chronicle of Greenberg’s life, especially focusing on his playing career and service in the army. He also does a good job of communicating Greenberg’s enormous importance as the first — and still arguably most important — Jewish superstar in baseball. This book is a fine resource for understanding both Greenberg’s career and the context that shaped it.
However, Greenberg’s life after he retired is glossed over. Rosengren gives a quick overview of Greenberg’s time as an executive and an even briefer summation of the last 30 years of his life. Rosengren hints at various incidents and events that evoke Greenberg’s complexity — for instance, that he more or less turned his back on organized Judaism in his later life — but these are not developed fully. In Rosengren’s recounting of Hank’s career, we do get more detail but we’re similarly left with what feels like a shallow portrait.
However, Greenberg’s life after he retired is glossed over. Rosengren gives a quick overview of Greenberg’s time as an executive and an even briefer summation of the last 30 years of his life. Rosengren hints at various incidents and events that evoke Greenberg’s complexity — for instance, that he more or less turned his back on organized Judaism in his later life — but these are not developed fully. In Rosengren’s recounting of Hank’s career, we do get more detail but we’re similarly left with what feels like a shallow portrait.
July 27, 2016
This was an engaging read and an excellent introduction to Hank Greenberg's achievements and cultural significance.
Greenberg played in the era just slightly before baseball's aptly dubbed "Golden Age," and so l brought less background knowledge to Greenberg's story than to, say, Mickey Mantle's. But Greenberg's on the field heroics are impressive, most notably, his 184 RBI in 1937. Though his lifetime numbers fall well below other Hall of Fame sluggers, Hank's hitting legacy must be understood alongside his four years of military service, more years than almost any of his baseball peers and years which were smack in the middle of Greenberg's prime.
There are critical notes I'd sound regarding this book, however.
First, as I just stated, Hank devoted a significant number of his prime playing years to fighting for America in WWII. The author spends quite a bit of time discussing Greenberg's feelings about the draft pre-Pearl Harbor, but treats his post Pearl voluntary enlistment rather quickly. We hear precious little about Greenberg's war years, but more troubling to me, the author doesn't bother to address any issues of regret or sadness Greenberg may have felt upon returning and only playing a few hard, short years. Rosengren spends some time discussing Greenberg's lost income and his attempts to get back in playing shape, but I would've liked to hear more about Greenberg's own impressions of where he stood in the slugging pantheon and how he felt those years he devoted to his country affected his baseball legacy for better or worse.
Secondly, the ridiculously hyperbolic subtitle Rosengren chose for this bio (Hero of Heroes) should have tipped me off as to his sympathies regarding Greenberg's assimilation. Indeed, in the epilogue, Rosengren writes that Greenberg "showed Jews how to assimilate." The book contains an engaging discussion of Greenberg's approach to his first schedule conflict with the Jewish High Holidays (Greenberg played on Rosh Hashanah, not Yom Kippur), but treats subsequent conflicts casually. It is clear in Rosengren's reporting that Greenberg's parents were not at all pleased by Hank's decision to play, but this is never explored further. Rosengren also ignores the fact that Greenberg's second wife was not Jewish and what that may have meant to his parents.
Furthermore, we learn that as a father, Greenberg taught his children so little about Judaism that one child thought that Yom Kippur was a holiday on which Jews go to the planetarium (because Hank took them on one Yom Kippur, explaining that it was a special day). Obviously, where one falls within the spectrum of Jewish belief and communal identification will inform one's reaction to these details. But one thing is for sure that Rosengren seems to gloss over: these conflicts are complex and tension filled, not simple and easily decided. Rosengren will have us believe that Greenberg is the Jewish Jackie Robinson; he claims him to be the most important Jewish athlete in history. Perhaps. But consider the parallel in a way that Rosengren doesn't: Greenberg's approach to his faith in his later career and his retirement (with the exception of his staunch support for Israel) was NOTHING like Robinson's to his race. Jackie Robinson spent the rest of his too short life working tirelessly for equal rights both on and off the field. His work didn't end with himself, as he advocated for African Americans to be hired in leadership positions in baseball.
Greenberg, the "hero of heroes," who taught Jews "how to assimilate," taught his children nothing of the faith of which he was supposedly a hero and ignored or indulged his pesky conscience regarding playing on holidays when it best suited him. I'm not at all arguing that Greenberg should be condemned for such behavior. Just pointing out that Rosengren seems more intent on producing an encomium than a clear eyed consideration of one of baseball's legends.
Greenberg played in the era just slightly before baseball's aptly dubbed "Golden Age," and so l brought less background knowledge to Greenberg's story than to, say, Mickey Mantle's. But Greenberg's on the field heroics are impressive, most notably, his 184 RBI in 1937. Though his lifetime numbers fall well below other Hall of Fame sluggers, Hank's hitting legacy must be understood alongside his four years of military service, more years than almost any of his baseball peers and years which were smack in the middle of Greenberg's prime.
There are critical notes I'd sound regarding this book, however.
First, as I just stated, Hank devoted a significant number of his prime playing years to fighting for America in WWII. The author spends quite a bit of time discussing Greenberg's feelings about the draft pre-Pearl Harbor, but treats his post Pearl voluntary enlistment rather quickly. We hear precious little about Greenberg's war years, but more troubling to me, the author doesn't bother to address any issues of regret or sadness Greenberg may have felt upon returning and only playing a few hard, short years. Rosengren spends some time discussing Greenberg's lost income and his attempts to get back in playing shape, but I would've liked to hear more about Greenberg's own impressions of where he stood in the slugging pantheon and how he felt those years he devoted to his country affected his baseball legacy for better or worse.
Secondly, the ridiculously hyperbolic subtitle Rosengren chose for this bio (Hero of Heroes) should have tipped me off as to his sympathies regarding Greenberg's assimilation. Indeed, in the epilogue, Rosengren writes that Greenberg "showed Jews how to assimilate." The book contains an engaging discussion of Greenberg's approach to his first schedule conflict with the Jewish High Holidays (Greenberg played on Rosh Hashanah, not Yom Kippur), but treats subsequent conflicts casually. It is clear in Rosengren's reporting that Greenberg's parents were not at all pleased by Hank's decision to play, but this is never explored further. Rosengren also ignores the fact that Greenberg's second wife was not Jewish and what that may have meant to his parents.
Furthermore, we learn that as a father, Greenberg taught his children so little about Judaism that one child thought that Yom Kippur was a holiday on which Jews go to the planetarium (because Hank took them on one Yom Kippur, explaining that it was a special day). Obviously, where one falls within the spectrum of Jewish belief and communal identification will inform one's reaction to these details. But one thing is for sure that Rosengren seems to gloss over: these conflicts are complex and tension filled, not simple and easily decided. Rosengren will have us believe that Greenberg is the Jewish Jackie Robinson; he claims him to be the most important Jewish athlete in history. Perhaps. But consider the parallel in a way that Rosengren doesn't: Greenberg's approach to his faith in his later career and his retirement (with the exception of his staunch support for Israel) was NOTHING like Robinson's to his race. Jackie Robinson spent the rest of his too short life working tirelessly for equal rights both on and off the field. His work didn't end with himself, as he advocated for African Americans to be hired in leadership positions in baseball.
Greenberg, the "hero of heroes," who taught Jews "how to assimilate," taught his children nothing of the faith of which he was supposedly a hero and ignored or indulged his pesky conscience regarding playing on holidays when it best suited him. I'm not at all arguing that Greenberg should be condemned for such behavior. Just pointing out that Rosengren seems more intent on producing an encomium than a clear eyed consideration of one of baseball's legends.
dropped
February 20, 2013A very, very comprehensive biography of Hank Greenberg.
I feel bad about DNF'ing this one, but I'm only 21% of the way through after all this time, and I'm just so bored. I would definitely keep this book around to skim through when the mood strikes, but it's just not a cover-to-cover kind of book.
The first chapter sucked me in. It described a critical late-Season game that fell on Rosh HaShana where Greenberg had to weigh whether or not to play, à la Sandy Koufax (only Greenberg's game was in the 30s,when there was a lot more anti-Semitism going on). I wasn't familiar with this story, so I was on the proverbial edge of my seat, wondering if he would play or sit the game out, and whether or not the Tigers would win, in either case. (No spoilers!)
The next few chapters were not quite as interesting. Hank had a hard time making it at the beginning of his career, and the book goes into a lot of detail about his various setbacks and temporary successes and various contracts and so forth. And now it's been a few months, and I'm only 21% through... enough. I think only Greenberg's immediate family could be so interested in all the details of the back-and-forth of every single contract arbitration, every single endorsement deal, every single salary negotiation of his career.
However, if by any chance you (dear reader) are interested in all of these details, then go get this book!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I feel bad about DNF'ing this one, but I'm only 21% of the way through after all this time, and I'm just so bored. I would definitely keep this book around to skim through when the mood strikes, but it's just not a cover-to-cover kind of book.
The first chapter sucked me in. It described a critical late-Season game that fell on Rosh HaShana where Greenberg had to weigh whether or not to play, à la Sandy Koufax (only Greenberg's game was in the 30s,when there was a lot more anti-Semitism going on). I wasn't familiar with this story, so I was on the proverbial edge of my seat, wondering if he would play or sit the game out, and whether or not the Tigers would win, in either case. (No spoilers!)
The next few chapters were not quite as interesting. Hank had a hard time making it at the beginning of his career, and the book goes into a lot of detail about his various setbacks and temporary successes and various contracts and so forth. And now it's been a few months, and I'm only 21% through... enough. I think only Greenberg's immediate family could be so interested in all the details of the back-and-forth of every single contract arbitration, every single endorsement deal, every single salary negotiation of his career.
However, if by any chance you (dear reader) are interested in all of these details, then go get this book!
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2013
A straightforward tale of the Detroit Tiger
slugger's life. Along with all the physical
and skill tests an athlete faces, Hank
Greenberg's primary trial and tribulation was
that he was Jewish. The prejudice of the times is
perhaps something we don't realize as much in
this 21st century.
Greenberg's rise to the top of baseball took
place in the 1930s and it is natural to compare
his struggles with the persecutions of the Jews
taking place in Europe. However it comes across
rather skewed as on one hand people are struggling
for survival, and losing, meanwhile Hank is
holding out for a raise in a country where he is
one of the top earners, especially as it is
during the Depression. The depth of the contrast
is difficult to fathom.
The story covers his New York City childhood
and focuses on his baseball days, as one would
expect! Plenty of excitement on the field, but to
his credit, with a middle-class upbringing he was
a rather private and bland fellow in the personality
excitement department.
While reading this book my wife asked me what
he did in the off season? I couldn't come up
with anything, except "Think about baseball."
I particularly enjoyed the time when he came
back from being in the service for World War 2
for 3 years and how he worked his way back into
being a capable ball player once again.
Also providing an interesting insight into his
personality were his post playing days as a front
office man for the Cleveland Indians and the
White Sox.
slugger's life. Along with all the physical
and skill tests an athlete faces, Hank
Greenberg's primary trial and tribulation was
that he was Jewish. The prejudice of the times is
perhaps something we don't realize as much in
this 21st century.
Greenberg's rise to the top of baseball took
place in the 1930s and it is natural to compare
his struggles with the persecutions of the Jews
taking place in Europe. However it comes across
rather skewed as on one hand people are struggling
for survival, and losing, meanwhile Hank is
holding out for a raise in a country where he is
one of the top earners, especially as it is
during the Depression. The depth of the contrast
is difficult to fathom.
The story covers his New York City childhood
and focuses on his baseball days, as one would
expect! Plenty of excitement on the field, but to
his credit, with a middle-class upbringing he was
a rather private and bland fellow in the personality
excitement department.
While reading this book my wife asked me what
he did in the off season? I couldn't come up
with anything, except "Think about baseball."
I particularly enjoyed the time when he came
back from being in the service for World War 2
for 3 years and how he worked his way back into
being a capable ball player once again.
Also providing an interesting insight into his
personality were his post playing days as a front
office man for the Cleveland Indians and the
White Sox.
March 16, 2017
Great book. What was really eye opening is the extent to which anti-semitism was tolerated in this country in the 30s and 40s. How strange it must have been for Hank to be seemingly loved and loathed by fans simultaneously. Loved because he hit homers for the Tigers, loathed because he was Jewish. Hank was no angel, but I really admired his work ethic, he wasn't born great, he made himself great. Also enjoyed getting a glimpse inside World War II era baseball; its amazing what Hank accomplished despite losing four years to military service in his prime.
March 29, 2013
I LOVED this. I learned something new on every page and couldn't put it down!
September 6, 2020
.313 career batting average, 4 hone run titles, four RBI titles, and led the league in doubles twice. In 4 World Series (2 championships), Greenberg batted .318, had 5 home runs, and 22 RBI’s. His lifetime power average is ahead of Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, willie Mays, and Stan Musial.
All that said, this book dives deep into Hank’s personal challenges, the grace he displayed in facing deep anti-semitism, what he meant to The Jewish community, his commitment to leave baseball to fight in the war twice, missing the better part of 4 seasons), and his work as a baseball executive in his later years.
All that said, this book dives deep into Hank’s personal challenges, the grace he displayed in facing deep anti-semitism, what he meant to The Jewish community, his commitment to leave baseball to fight in the war twice, missing the better part of 4 seasons), and his work as a baseball executive in his later years.
January 18, 2026
I knew of Hank Greenberg and had this biography in my library for over 10 years and finally made it around to reading it and I was very glad that I did. A lot of information that I never knew; his early draft into the Army before the US was drawn into WWII, his General Manager job with the Cleveland Indians, his serious consideration as MLB Commissioner, and his passion for tennis. A very delightful book.
July 9, 2017
Wonderful baseball biography! I didn't know much about Greenberg going into this, but the book gave me glimpse into his life and challenges. I didn't realize some of the hardships he faced as a Jewish-American. This book is a good read and very informative about Greenberg's life and his era in baseball.
July 5, 2019
Greenberg is at once a stand-up guy and a bit of an egotistical pain in the ass ... still, there is no debating the fact that he was a fine ballplayer - truly legendary ... the book loses all its oomph when Greenberg retires and it kind of chugs home as story of an ordinary, flawed businessman; you yearn for the Greenberg of the glory days of baseball, thanks Hank
June 26, 2020
I really enjoyed the book. It’s not great by any stretch of the imagination, but it was certainly well worth my time. I have been a Tiger fan all my life, but I knew almost nothing about Greenberg.
Next time I see his statue at Comerica, I will have a grater appreciation for the player and person he was.
Next time I see his statue at Comerica, I will have a grater appreciation for the player and person he was.
September 13, 2018
This is the story of a Jewish- American baseball player ,who overcame his size and anti-Semitic views and the 30's and 40's to become a Hall of Fame member.
July 10, 2015
Before there was Jackie Robinson, there was Hank Greenberg. Although Jackie Robinson was African American, Hank Greenberg was Jewish but still encountered racism during his Detroit Tiger playing days before Robinson debuted in 1947.
Many Jews in Detroit and around the country refused to buy Ford Cars because of the founder’s philosophy. They also comforted themselves with humor, telling Henry Ford jokes like the one where a fortune-teller informs Ford that he die will on a Jewish Holiday. “ Which one? Ford asked nervously. “ Their New Year? They day of atonement? Their Passover? Which one?”
“Mr. Ford,” the fortune-teller responds, “whatever day you die will be a Jewish holiday.”
John Rosengren’s exhaustive research in Hero of Heroes is more accurate and detailed than Greenberg’s autobiography. If you love baseball and biographies then read this book. Plus John Rosengren is a local author that lives in Minneapolis. I happened to meet the author at a Society of American Baseball Research Meeting where he shared the opening joke from this passage. By the way, He told everyone that for the record he is not Jewish.
Greenberg grew up from little Hyman Greenberg in New York, to the “Hammerin’ Hank’ in Detroit. He lead his Detroit Tigers to Four American League Pennants, two World Series Titles, and gave the city something to cheer for and escape during the Great Depression in the United States and while the world started to conflict towards World War Two. He slugged 58 home runs in the 1938 season and nearly broke Babe Ruth’s then record of 60 Home Runs.
In 13 big league seasons Greenberg had this slash line .313/.412/.605.
(http://www.baseball-reference.com/pla.... But what Greenberg believed were the most important statistic and his greatest responsibility in the batters box was Runs Batted in. He won 4 RBI titles.
“Given the chance to play the four seasons he missed due to military service, Green berg would have boosted his career statistics by rough 50 percent, according to projections by the Society for American Baseball Research, ranking him 26th all time for home runs (502) 11th for RBI (1,869) and tied for 54th for runs scored (1,554) Baseball Historian Bill James thinks Greenberg could have reached 600 home runs, especially if he had batted against replacement pitchers during the war years.”
After his playing days ended Greenberg became a baseball executive and architected Two pennant winning teams in 1948 and 1951, and sponsored a high number of African American players. His 1948 Cleveland Indian team won a World Series. That is Cleveland’s last professional sport championship. After leaving in the Indians, Greenberg Joined his good friend and business partner, Bill Veeck with the Chicago White Sox. There he won another pennant in 1959 with the Go-Go Sox. Working in the front office Greenberg was a deal maker, savvy with the team’s investments and had several innovating ideas. “In retrospect, people like Ralph Kiner, former AL president Bobby Brown and current commissioner Bud Selig think Hank would have been a terrific commissioner. Selig said Greenberg influenced him on interleague play and realignment; changes Hank had suggested and to implemented forty years later. ‘He was right on a lot of issues’
Selig Said “He was very progressive in a sport that was very cautious-I’m trying to be kind in how I say that-He would have been a marvelous commissioner” By reading this book discover the Hank Greenberg on the field of baseball, in the front office of baseball and outside of the ballpark.
Greenberg was extremely competitive on the baseball field, off it the field with his children and into his day’s of tennis and retirement. He would never let his children win and he was a demanding doubles partner.
Many Jews in Detroit and around the country refused to buy Ford Cars because of the founder’s philosophy. They also comforted themselves with humor, telling Henry Ford jokes like the one where a fortune-teller informs Ford that he die will on a Jewish Holiday. “ Which one? Ford asked nervously. “ Their New Year? They day of atonement? Their Passover? Which one?”
“Mr. Ford,” the fortune-teller responds, “whatever day you die will be a Jewish holiday.”
John Rosengren’s exhaustive research in Hero of Heroes is more accurate and detailed than Greenberg’s autobiography. If you love baseball and biographies then read this book. Plus John Rosengren is a local author that lives in Minneapolis. I happened to meet the author at a Society of American Baseball Research Meeting where he shared the opening joke from this passage. By the way, He told everyone that for the record he is not Jewish.
Greenberg grew up from little Hyman Greenberg in New York, to the “Hammerin’ Hank’ in Detroit. He lead his Detroit Tigers to Four American League Pennants, two World Series Titles, and gave the city something to cheer for and escape during the Great Depression in the United States and while the world started to conflict towards World War Two. He slugged 58 home runs in the 1938 season and nearly broke Babe Ruth’s then record of 60 Home Runs.
In 13 big league seasons Greenberg had this slash line .313/.412/.605.
(http://www.baseball-reference.com/pla.... But what Greenberg believed were the most important statistic and his greatest responsibility in the batters box was Runs Batted in. He won 4 RBI titles.
“Given the chance to play the four seasons he missed due to military service, Green berg would have boosted his career statistics by rough 50 percent, according to projections by the Society for American Baseball Research, ranking him 26th all time for home runs (502) 11th for RBI (1,869) and tied for 54th for runs scored (1,554) Baseball Historian Bill James thinks Greenberg could have reached 600 home runs, especially if he had batted against replacement pitchers during the war years.”
After his playing days ended Greenberg became a baseball executive and architected Two pennant winning teams in 1948 and 1951, and sponsored a high number of African American players. His 1948 Cleveland Indian team won a World Series. That is Cleveland’s last professional sport championship. After leaving in the Indians, Greenberg Joined his good friend and business partner, Bill Veeck with the Chicago White Sox. There he won another pennant in 1959 with the Go-Go Sox. Working in the front office Greenberg was a deal maker, savvy with the team’s investments and had several innovating ideas. “In retrospect, people like Ralph Kiner, former AL president Bobby Brown and current commissioner Bud Selig think Hank would have been a terrific commissioner. Selig said Greenberg influenced him on interleague play and realignment; changes Hank had suggested and to implemented forty years later. ‘He was right on a lot of issues’
Selig Said “He was very progressive in a sport that was very cautious-I’m trying to be kind in how I say that-He would have been a marvelous commissioner” By reading this book discover the Hank Greenberg on the field of baseball, in the front office of baseball and outside of the ballpark.
Greenberg was extremely competitive on the baseball field, off it the field with his children and into his day’s of tennis and retirement. He would never let his children win and he was a demanding doubles partner.
October 12, 2013
The first chapter ties the two themes of Greenburg's life, baseball star and prominent Jew in a time of anti-semitism, by recounting the 1934 game against the Boston Red Sox that fell on Rosh Hashanan. The Detroit Tigers were in their first pennant race in years and there was tremendous pressure for him to play, however his family and many others expected him not to play in observance of the holy day. The chapter recounts his inner conflict, his decision to play and the game itself where Greenburg's dramatic two home runs were Detroit's only runs in a 2-1 victory that helped send the Tigers to the World Series
There is great baseball in this book; great narrative of Greenburg's Tigers playing against Dizzy Dean and the gashouse gang in the '34 World Series, his chasing Babe Ruth's single season home run record(he ended with 58)his two MVP seasons, the second as a left fielder after agreeing to try a new position to allow a poor fielding but hard hitting player to take over first base, his dramatic 9th inning grand slam in the last game of the 1945 season that won the game and pennant
But Greenburg's baseball exploits are described in the context of the anti-semitism of the time. The taunts by fans would not be allowed today, but even worse were those by the players themselves. The New York Yankees would call up a player for games against Greenburg to hurl horrible epithets knowing that they would suffer the loss of a key player when thrown out for the epithets. During one such game which included the apparent deliberate spiking of Greenburg, he confronted the entire Yankee bench causing a couple to apologize. In one season Greenburg was on the verge of becoming the first Jew to win the home run title but on the last day the Washington Senator catcher told Boston's Jimmy Fox what pitches were coming allowing Fox to hit two home runs and tie for the title. After one game against the White Sox, Greenburg went into the White Sox locker room and said he wanted the man who kept calling the "Kike" to get up and say it to his face. He stayed, looked many in the eye but none had the courage to stand up
A favorite them for me was Greenburg's work ethic. He was not a naturally gifted fielder, he worked many extra hours to become an adequate, then good fielding first baseman and the same work ethic allowed him to play left field in his second MVP season. And while he was a natural, strong hitter, he took hours and hours of extra batting practice including paying others to pitch to him and shag balls after the others had left practice
We also learn about Greenburg the person, the friendships he developed, his business skills, his role as a Jewish hero and mentor, his days with women as a single baseball star. We learn more about Greenburg in the pages of his life after he retired from playing
The one criticism I have is that I wished the author spent more time on Greenburg's relationship with Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby and other African American players that integrated baseball. While the biography recounts the first game where the played against each other in Robinson's historic first season(Greenburg played for the Pirates that year) and quoted Robinson as saying that Greenburg was one player who was pulling for him and while it does describe how as general manager for Cleveland Greenburg signed more African American players than other teams; I think the background of Greenburg fighting anti-semitism and his friendliness to Jackie Robinson etc. could have been given more attention and more depth
But all in all, this is a great book
There is great baseball in this book; great narrative of Greenburg's Tigers playing against Dizzy Dean and the gashouse gang in the '34 World Series, his chasing Babe Ruth's single season home run record(he ended with 58)his two MVP seasons, the second as a left fielder after agreeing to try a new position to allow a poor fielding but hard hitting player to take over first base, his dramatic 9th inning grand slam in the last game of the 1945 season that won the game and pennant
But Greenburg's baseball exploits are described in the context of the anti-semitism of the time. The taunts by fans would not be allowed today, but even worse were those by the players themselves. The New York Yankees would call up a player for games against Greenburg to hurl horrible epithets knowing that they would suffer the loss of a key player when thrown out for the epithets. During one such game which included the apparent deliberate spiking of Greenburg, he confronted the entire Yankee bench causing a couple to apologize. In one season Greenburg was on the verge of becoming the first Jew to win the home run title but on the last day the Washington Senator catcher told Boston's Jimmy Fox what pitches were coming allowing Fox to hit two home runs and tie for the title. After one game against the White Sox, Greenburg went into the White Sox locker room and said he wanted the man who kept calling the "Kike" to get up and say it to his face. He stayed, looked many in the eye but none had the courage to stand up
A favorite them for me was Greenburg's work ethic. He was not a naturally gifted fielder, he worked many extra hours to become an adequate, then good fielding first baseman and the same work ethic allowed him to play left field in his second MVP season. And while he was a natural, strong hitter, he took hours and hours of extra batting practice including paying others to pitch to him and shag balls after the others had left practice
We also learn about Greenburg the person, the friendships he developed, his business skills, his role as a Jewish hero and mentor, his days with women as a single baseball star. We learn more about Greenburg in the pages of his life after he retired from playing
The one criticism I have is that I wished the author spent more time on Greenburg's relationship with Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby and other African American players that integrated baseball. While the biography recounts the first game where the played against each other in Robinson's historic first season(Greenburg played for the Pirates that year) and quoted Robinson as saying that Greenburg was one player who was pulling for him and while it does describe how as general manager for Cleveland Greenburg signed more African American players than other teams; I think the background of Greenburg fighting anti-semitism and his friendliness to Jackie Robinson etc. could have been given more attention and more depth
But all in all, this is a great book
July 4, 2013
Review:
Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, another player had to endure taunts from ignorant players and fans as well as wonder what would become of his people as he played the game during a tense time in world history. Hank Greenberg was a New York kid who became a star first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. Born of Jewish descent, Greenberg’s best years on the field coincided with the rise of Hitler in Europe and his plan to wipe out the Jews. Author John Rosengren writes a wonderful biography with the emphasis on this time in Greenberg’s life that is filled with much success as well as trouble.
The book covers events in the world at the time as skillfully as it does Greenberg’s baseball career which included many records, including becoming the first player in baseball history to win the Most Valuable Player award twice in different positions. Greenberg also lost time to military service – nearly four years – and this part of his life, as well as his comeback is well documented. The book wraps up with Greenberg’s career in the front office of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians, his subsequent divorce and remarriage and his later years when the Tigers gave him a long overdue day of honor.
While these topics are well researched and documented, the book is also a very good source of information on some of the hot-button topics in baseball of that era. Race relations in baseball were mentioned, including Greenberg’s interactions with Robinson as they both felt the heat of being a “minority” in a game with mostly white Christian males as players. Salaries and negotiations with players are frequently covered as the yearly negotiations Greenberg had with the Tigers always seemed to show his petulant side, yet there was always an agreement reached. It was especially ironic when Greenberg was later a general manager and would employ the same negotiating tactics with his players that infuriated him during his playing days.
This book is a thorough and enjoyable read on the life of one of baseball’s greatest players. Fans of all generations of baseball should read this book to gain insight into not only one of the best players but also into the events and mindset of that time. Excellent book.
Did I skim?
No
Did I learn something new?
Yes. Many things, but what struck me the most was how much of a hero Greenberg was considered for Jewish people all across the country. I was also fascinated with his seemingly petulant behavior every year when he negotiated his contract. Considering this was during the time of the reserve clause and no agents, it was understandable, as it was usually the only leverage a player had during negotiations. But it was still surprising to me as it seemed to be the complete opposite of the persona that was portrayed.
Pace of the book:
Excellent – the narrative never was bogged down with unimportant information or overloaded the reader.
Do I recommend?
Yes. For any baseball fan or historian, this is a complete and entertaining account of Greenberg’s life and baseball career.
Book Format Read:
Hardcover
Before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, another player had to endure taunts from ignorant players and fans as well as wonder what would become of his people as he played the game during a tense time in world history. Hank Greenberg was a New York kid who became a star first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. Born of Jewish descent, Greenberg’s best years on the field coincided with the rise of Hitler in Europe and his plan to wipe out the Jews. Author John Rosengren writes a wonderful biography with the emphasis on this time in Greenberg’s life that is filled with much success as well as trouble.
The book covers events in the world at the time as skillfully as it does Greenberg’s baseball career which included many records, including becoming the first player in baseball history to win the Most Valuable Player award twice in different positions. Greenberg also lost time to military service – nearly four years – and this part of his life, as well as his comeback is well documented. The book wraps up with Greenberg’s career in the front office of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians, his subsequent divorce and remarriage and his later years when the Tigers gave him a long overdue day of honor.
While these topics are well researched and documented, the book is also a very good source of information on some of the hot-button topics in baseball of that era. Race relations in baseball were mentioned, including Greenberg’s interactions with Robinson as they both felt the heat of being a “minority” in a game with mostly white Christian males as players. Salaries and negotiations with players are frequently covered as the yearly negotiations Greenberg had with the Tigers always seemed to show his petulant side, yet there was always an agreement reached. It was especially ironic when Greenberg was later a general manager and would employ the same negotiating tactics with his players that infuriated him during his playing days.
This book is a thorough and enjoyable read on the life of one of baseball’s greatest players. Fans of all generations of baseball should read this book to gain insight into not only one of the best players but also into the events and mindset of that time. Excellent book.
Did I skim?
No
Did I learn something new?
Yes. Many things, but what struck me the most was how much of a hero Greenberg was considered for Jewish people all across the country. I was also fascinated with his seemingly petulant behavior every year when he negotiated his contract. Considering this was during the time of the reserve clause and no agents, it was understandable, as it was usually the only leverage a player had during negotiations. But it was still surprising to me as it seemed to be the complete opposite of the persona that was portrayed.
Pace of the book:
Excellent – the narrative never was bogged down with unimportant information or overloaded the reader.
Do I recommend?
Yes. For any baseball fan or historian, this is a complete and entertaining account of Greenberg’s life and baseball career.
Book Format Read:
Hardcover
May 21, 2014
Before I started reading this biography I must admit that I had heard of Hank Greenberg, but I really didn't know much about him. Although I'm not a hardcore baseball fan, I'm fascinated by the game before the astronomical salaries, league expansion, and the steroid era when baseball truly was America's pastime. Hank Greenberg, the son of Jewish immigrants from Romania, became a hero to many, especially to American Jews when anti-Semitic bigotry was still strong in this country. His rise to prominence as a Detroit Tiger paralleled the rise of Nazism in Germany and Hank constantly had to deal with racial slurs and verbal attacks from fans and other players alike. On occasion a player from an opposing team would even try to physically injure Hank while he held down his spot at first base. Against these odds (plus not being all that gifted athletically), the "Hebrew Star" ended his long and amazing career with a lifetime batting average of .313, 331 home runs including 58 in his remarkable 1938 campaign, and 1,276 RBIs. Hank started his career in 1930, served our country in World War II, and finally hung up his cleats for good in 1947. From there he went on to baseball management and ownership and sponsored more African-American players than any other major league executive. Hank Greenberg, the son of immigrants and a national hero for all baseball fans, died in his sleep after battling cancer at the age of 75. For anyone looking for a sports biography than deals with more than success and failure on the field of play, but also brings to light some important social issues, "Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes" is an excellent choice.
October 19, 2013
I loved this book. A great read on a very good baseball player that I actually hadn't read much about even though I've read about 2,596 books on baseball or something close to that number.
Josh Rosengren wrote a great book on the 1973 baseball season, so when I saw this book I knew I would enjoy it. Well written, well researched about a great man that played first base and the outfield for the Tigers.Though I was surprised or had forgotten that he had played his final year with the Pirates and had a interesting moment with Jackie Robinson during Jackie's first year as a Dodger in 1947. Greenberg was something of an outkast like Jackie his first year because Greenberg is known as being one of the first great jewish baseball players and helping the American public think differently on jewish people. He is known as a hero for many and while reading this book it became clear that he was a great man, not just a great baseball player. Lost four years to WWII or else he probably would have put up better career numbers, likely would have hit over 400 with a chance at 500 home runs. Still, he had two MVP awards and had a year where he drove in 183 runs. 183!!! If you are a baseball fan you should read this. If a Tigers' fan, it's a must you read this. Well done Mr. Rosengren, can't wait to read your next one.
Josh Rosengren wrote a great book on the 1973 baseball season, so when I saw this book I knew I would enjoy it. Well written, well researched about a great man that played first base and the outfield for the Tigers.Though I was surprised or had forgotten that he had played his final year with the Pirates and had a interesting moment with Jackie Robinson during Jackie's first year as a Dodger in 1947. Greenberg was something of an outkast like Jackie his first year because Greenberg is known as being one of the first great jewish baseball players and helping the American public think differently on jewish people. He is known as a hero for many and while reading this book it became clear that he was a great man, not just a great baseball player. Lost four years to WWII or else he probably would have put up better career numbers, likely would have hit over 400 with a chance at 500 home runs. Still, he had two MVP awards and had a year where he drove in 183 runs. 183!!! If you are a baseball fan you should read this. If a Tigers' fan, it's a must you read this. Well done Mr. Rosengren, can't wait to read your next one.
April 13, 2014
IN the first couple of pages, it appeared this was going to be a throw back to the days of "The Gil Hodges Story," or one of those sunny, pre-Ball Four biographies about a little boy who wanted to be a big league ballplayer and grew up to realize his dream.
It isn't. In a thorough and exhaustingly researched book, John Rosengren gives us the full measure of Hank Greenberg the ballplayer, the Jew, the human being. Immensely dedicated and hard working, talented yet flawed, bullheaded and vulnerable. Rosengren even fact-checked Greenberg's autobiography and begs to differ with the late Hall of Famer's account of his own life. And, given his sourcing, Rosengren deserves the benefit of the doubt. His recounting of his subject's life is more accurate than the subject's own rendering.
A thought-provoking book, interweaving Hank's ascent to major league stardom with the antisemitism of the times and the disintegration of Europe during World War II.
Yes, it's a book about a baseball player. More importantly, its book about a noteworthy American life.
It isn't. In a thorough and exhaustingly researched book, John Rosengren gives us the full measure of Hank Greenberg the ballplayer, the Jew, the human being. Immensely dedicated and hard working, talented yet flawed, bullheaded and vulnerable. Rosengren even fact-checked Greenberg's autobiography and begs to differ with the late Hall of Famer's account of his own life. And, given his sourcing, Rosengren deserves the benefit of the doubt. His recounting of his subject's life is more accurate than the subject's own rendering.
A thought-provoking book, interweaving Hank's ascent to major league stardom with the antisemitism of the times and the disintegration of Europe during World War II.
Yes, it's a book about a baseball player. More importantly, its book about a noteworthy American life.
September 4, 2013
Hank Greenberg was one of baseball's greatest stars in the 1930s, but lost four of his prime years to World War II. He achieved this status not by talent alone--he was limited in some important ways--but through hard work. A somewhat prickly personality who frequently had public relations problems, he was nonetheless a hero to the Jewish community and played an important, if often symbolic role, in its integration into American society. This is one of those baseball biographies that reaches beyond the game. While it gives the season by season ups and downs of an extraordinary, hall of fame career, it also explores the American anti-semetism that pervaded pre-World War II American society and persisted thereafter. I recommend this book to both baseball fans and those interested in the history of American ethnic relations.
February 24, 2013
Baseball fans and students of American history will both love this subperbly-researched, reader-friendly, new biography of the Detroit Tigers home run hitter of the 1930s and '40 as much for the diamond anedoctes as for the insight it delivers into what the first Jewish major league Hall of Famer put up with from a bigoted America.
January 12, 2014
Hank greenberg
The best baseball book I have ever read. Hank Greenberg was a professional, a great person, and o yea, he was Jewish. I loved the writing, the flow, the toughness Hankus Pankus showed, his devotion to his religion and to his friends. Well done Mr. Rosengren. You wrote a great book about a great man.
The best baseball book I have ever read. Hank Greenberg was a professional, a great person, and o yea, he was Jewish. I loved the writing, the flow, the toughness Hankus Pankus showed, his devotion to his religion and to his friends. Well done Mr. Rosengren. You wrote a great book about a great man.
April 1, 2014
I loved this book. Hank Greenberg was a true American hero who endured antisemitism and thrived. He is in the Hall Of Fame, but never received the recognition as Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig, which he should have. His talent didn't come natural as no talent comes natural. He was obsessed with excelling in his sport as we writers must excel in our profession.
November 6, 2014
Amazing history of a complex, important man. The writing felt forced, though, and at times this seemed more hagiography than biography. Glad I read it, but wish the quality of writing was a but higher.
January 12, 2019
Good accounting of Grrenberg and his career in baseball and the military. Focused on his role as a hero to Jews and others fighting for tolerance and diversity. Writing style is abit simplistic, more aimed a high-school level, rather than adult reader.
May 24, 2013
Lots of details.
May 29, 2013
Really good book that combines a great ballplayers story with the history of the depression and WWII intertwined.
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