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Hank Greenberg: The Hero Of Heroes (2013)

by John Rosengren(Favorite Author)

3.97 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0451235762 (ISBN13: 9780451235763)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

NAL Hardcover

review 1: 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 compa... moreres 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
review 2: 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. less

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