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There is much to say about the heart and patriotism to all those who served the country in World War II. Many of the best players in the game missed entire seasons during the prime of their careers. Few missed as much time as Hall of Fame 1B/OF Hank Greenberg of the Detroit Tigers. Greenberg, like some others was on a tremendous pace to start his career when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. But, what a lot of people do not know, was the fact that Greenberg was actually drafted in May of 1941. When he reported, it cost him the rest of the season. He was discharged on 12/5/1941, just two days before the bombings took place. He re-enlisted until he was discharged in June of 1945.
Greenberg would lose nearly four years of MLB service time during the prime of his career. Many stars lost two or three seasons. No question Greenberg is a Hall of Famer, as he was inducted in 1956. However he finished his career with 331 HRs. He did have seasons of 170 and 183 RBIs, and was one of the most dominant players in the game. He did win two MVPs, so he was clearly worthy. My question is, how did the loss of nearly four seasons affect the rest of his career? In 1940, he hit .350, 41, 150. Could he have maintained this through the next four seasons? If so, he would have finished with 500 plus HRs and in my opinion, pushed for 600.
And he retired at age 36 after the 1947 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This without a doubt, had to do with his service in the millitary. I think its reasonable that he could have played another 4 or 5 seasons at a high level. This would have pushed him over 600 HRs and put him in a catagory that only Babe Ruth belonged to. That would have made him an immortal! He had that ability. Its a shame MLB never got to see the real Hank Greenberg, who was one of the best talents to ever play this game. It just doesn't seem that way because of his lack of longevity.
And he retired at age 36 after the 1947 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This without a doubt, had to do with his service in the millitary. I think its reasonable that he could have played another 4 or 5 seasons at a high level. This would have pushed him over 600 HRs and put him in a catagory that only Babe Ruth belonged to. That would have made him an immortal! He had that ability. Its a shame MLB never got to see the real Hank Greenberg, who was one of the best talents to ever play this game. It just doesn't seem that way because of his lack of longevity.
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