Search By First Name of the HOFers
Ferguson Jenkins
Inducted:
1991
Player Stats
Stats:
6-5, 205lb
Born:
December 13, 1942
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Position:
Starting Pitcher
College:
NA
Jenkins' Awards and Honors
- 3× All-Star (1967, 1971, 1972)
- NL Cy Young Award (1971)
- 2× Wins leader (1971, 1974)
- NL strikeout leader (1969)
- Chicago Cubs No. 31 retired
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
- Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
MLB Teams
Philadelphia Phillies (1965–1966)
Chicago Cubs (1966–1973)
Texas Rangers (1974–1975)
Boston Red Sox (1976–1977)
Texas Rangers (1978–1981)
Chicago Cubs (1982–1983)
MLB draft:
NA
Numbers Worn:
31, 46, 30, 19
MLB Stats
Seasons:
19
Games Played:
664
Win–Loss Record:
284–226
Earned Run Average:
3.34
Strikeouts:
3,192
Innings Pitched:
4500.2
Ford Frick
Inducted:
1970
Executive Stats
Born:
December 19, 1894
Wawaka, Indiana, U.S.
Died:
April 8, 1978
Bronxville, New York, U.S.
Position:
Executive
College:
NA
Ford Frick was a pivotal figure in baseball history, serving as the third Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1951 to 1965. Before becoming commissioner, he was a sportswriter, public relations executive, and president of the National League. Frick’s tenure oversaw expansion, the relocation of franchises, and the growth of television’s influence on the sport.
He was a strong advocate for preserving baseball’s traditions while guiding it through an era of modernization. Frick also played a role in establishing guidelines for record-keeping during the home run chase of 1961. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1970, his leadership left a lasting impact on the game’s governance and growth.
Frick's Awards and Honor
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1970)
- Namesake of the Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence
- Guided MLB during a period of rapid growth and change
MLB Tenure
MLB Commissioner (1951–1965)
National League President (1934–1951)
Notable Achievements
- Expanded Major League Baseball from 16 to 20 teams
- Oversaw franchise relocations, including moves to the West Coast
- Introduced historical record-keeping standards
- Guided first West Coast franchises in MLB history
Frank Chance
Inducted:
1946
Player Stats
6-0, 190lb (183cm, 86kg)
Born:
September 9, 1877
Salida, California, U.S.
Died:
September 15, 1924
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
College:
University of California
Frank Leroy Chance, known as "The Peerless Leader," was a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs' dynasty in the early 1900s. Born on September 9, 1877, in Salida, California, Chance began his Major League career with the Chicago Orphans (later the Cubs) in 1898.
Initially a catcher and outfielder, he transitioned to first base in 1902, forming the legendary double-play combination "Tinker to Evers to Chance." As a player-manager from 1905 to 1912, he led the Cubs to four National League pennants and two World Series championships (1907, 1908).
Under his leadership, the 1906 Cubs set a Major League record with 116 wins. Chance's managerial acumen was matched by his playing prowess, boasting a .296 batting average and 403 stolen bases over his career. After stints managing the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, his career was cut short due to health issues.
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, Chance's legacy endures as a symbol of leadership and excellence in baseball history.
Chance's Awards and Honors
- 2× World Series champion (1907, 1908)
- 2× NL stolen base leader (1903, 1906)
- NL runs scored leader (1906)
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
- 4× National League Pennant Winner (1906, 1907, 1908, 1910)
- National League Runs Scored Leader (1906)
- Managed Cubs to MLB-record 116 wins in 1906
- Formed legendary "Tinker to Evers to Chance" double-play trio
- Nicknamed "The Peerless Leader" for his leadership qualities
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1946)
- Inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame (1959)
MLB Teams
Chicago Orphans / Cubs (1898–1912)
New York Yankees (1913–1914)
MLB Stats
Games Played:
1,288
At Bats:
4,299
Hits:
1,274
Batting Average:
.296
Home Runs:
20
Runs Batted In (RBI):
596
Runs Scored:
798
Doubles:
200
Triples:
79
Stolen Bases:
403
On-Base Percentage:
.394
Slugging Percentage:
.394
OPS (On-base Plus Slugging):
.788
Frankie Frisch
Inducted:
1947
Player Stats
5-11, 165lb (180cm, 74kg)
Born:
September 9, 1897
Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died:
March 12, 1973
Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
Position:
Second baseman
College:
Fordham University
Frankie Frisch, nicknamed “The Fordham Flash,” was one of the most dynamic infielders of the 1920s and 1930s. A switch-hitting second baseman known for speed, defense, and fiery leadership, Frisch starred with both the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals.
He was a central figure in four World Series championships and helped define the aggressive, high-energy style of the "Gashouse Gang" Cardinals. Frisch collected over 2,800 hits, stole 419 bases, and scored nearly 1,500 runs.
After his playing days, he managed for several seasons, including leading the Cardinals to a title in 1934. Frisch was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947 and later served on the Veterans Committee.
His all-around skill set and leadership made him one of the most complete second basemen in baseball history.
Frisch's Awards and Honors
- 3× All-Star (1933–1935)
- 4× World Series champion (1921, 1922, 1931, 1934)
- NL MVP (1931)
- 3× NL stolen base leader (1921, 1927, 1931)
- Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame
- Inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame (1947)
- 10× Top 10 in NL Batting Average
- 2,880 Career Hits – top 50 all-time
- Managed Cardinals to 1934 World Series title
- Key member of the legendary “Gashouse Gang”
- Veterans Committee Chairman (later in life)
MLB Teams
As player
New York Giants (1919–1926)
St. Louis Cardinals (1927–1937)
As manager
St. Louis Cardinals (1933–1938)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1940–1946)
Chicago Cubs (1949–1951)
Number Worn:
3
MLB Stats
Seasons:
19 (1919–1937)
Games Played:
2,311
Batting Average:
.316
Hits:
2,880
Home Runs:
105
RBIs:
1,244
Runs Scored:
1,532
Stolen Bases:
419
OBP:
.369
Managerial record:
1,138–1,078
Winning %
.514
Fred Clarke
Inducted:
1945
Manager Stats
Stats:
5-10, 165lb (178cm, 74kg)
Born:
October 3, 1872
Winterset, Iowa, U.S.
Died:
August 14, 1960
Winfield, Kansas, U.S.
Position:
Left fielder
Manager
College:
N/A
Fred Clarke was a standout player and manager during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his sharp baseball mind and consistent play, Clarke played from 1894 to 1915, primarily with the Louisville Colonels and Pittsburgh Pirates.
As a left fielder, he was a strong hitter, finishing with a .312 career batting average, while also showing speed on the basepaths and solid defensive skills.
Beyond his playing abilities, Clarke excelled as a manager, leading the Pirates to four National League pennants and a World Series championship in 1909.
His leadership style combined strategic thinking with a competitive edge, setting the standard for player-managers of his time.
Clarke retired with over 1,600 career wins as a manager and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1945.
Clarke's Awards and Honors
- World Series champion (1909)
- Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame
- Hall of Fame Inductee (1945, by the Veterans Committee)
- World Series Champion (1909, as player-manager)
- 4× National League Pennant Winner (1901, 1902, 1903, 1909)
- Over 1,600 career managerial wins (1,602–1,181 record)
- One of the first successful player-managers in MLB history
- Lifetime batting average of .312, ranking among the best of his era
MLB Records
- First player-manager to win a World Series
- Among the first to combine a managerial career of over 1,600 wins with a playing career of 2,000+ hits
- Fourth-youngest manager in MLB history
- One of the first players to record 500+ stolen bases and maintain a .300+ career batting average
- Led the National League in runs scored (1898)
- Led the National League in doubles (1901)
MLB Teams
As Player
Louisville Colonels (1894–1899)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1900–1911, 1913–1915)
As Manager
Louisville Colonels (1897–1899)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1900–1915)
MLB Stats
Games Played:
2,245
Career Batting Average:
.312
Home Runs:
67
Runs Batted In (RBI):
1,015
Hits:
2,672
Stolen Bases:
506
On-Base Percentage (OBP):
.386
Slugging Percentage:
.429
Managerial Stats
Team managed
Louisville Colonels (1897–1899)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1900–1915)
Total Games Managed:
2,826 games
Wins
1,602
Losses
1,181
Ties
71
Winning Percentage:
.576
Freddie Lindstrom
Inducted:
1976
Player Stats
5-11, 170lb (180cm, 77kg)
Born:
November 21, 1905
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
October 4, 1981
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Third baseman
Outfielder
College:
Loyola Academy
Freddie Lindstrom, born November 21, 1905, in Chicago, Illinois, was one of baseball’s brightest stars of the late 1920s and 1930s. Debuting at just 18 with the New York Giants, he quickly became known for his superb contact hitting, speed, and versatility in the field.
Primarily a third baseman and outfielder, Lindstrom posted a career .311 batting average over 13 seasons with the Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, and Brooklyn Dodgers. His finest season came in 1930, when he batted .379 with 231 hits, cementing his status among the league’s elite. A two-time All-Star and consistent run producer, he totaled 1,747 hits, 103 stolen bases, and 779 RBIs before retiring at age 31 due to injuries.
Despite his relatively short career, Lindstrom’s impact as one of the premier hitters of his era earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, where he is remembered as a natural talent with an exceptional bat.
Lindstrom's Awards and Honors
- 2× All-Star selection (1933, 1934)
- .379 batting average in 1930 (career-high)
- 231 hits in 1930, one of the highest single-season totals of his era
MLB Records
- Youngest player (18) to appear in a World Series at the time (1924)
- Recorded over 230 hits in a season (1930), a rare feat in MLB history
- Known for versatility, excelling at both third base and the outfield
MLB Teams
New York Giants (1924–1932)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1934)
Chicago Cubs (1935)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1936)
Number Worn:
21
MLB Stats
Seasons:
1924–1936
Games Played:
1,438
Batting Average:
.311
Hits:
1,747
Home Runs:
103
Runs:
895
RBIs:
779
Gabby Hartnett
Inducted:
1955
Player Stats
6-1, 195lb (185cm, 88kg)
Born:
December 20, 1900
Woonsocket, Rhode Island, U.S..
Died:
December 20, 1972
Park Ridge, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Catcher
Manager
College:
NA
Gabby Hartnett was one of the greatest catchers of the early 20th century and a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs for nearly two decades. Known for his strong arm, powerful bat, and leadership, Hartnett was a six-time All-Star and the 1935 National League MVP.
He hit over 20 home runs five times—a rare feat for catchers of his era—and finished his career with 236 home runs, a record for catchers at the time. Hartnett’s most famous moment came in 1938 with the “Homer in the Gloamin’,” a dramatic late-inning home run that helped the Cubs clinch the NL pennant as player-manager.
His durability, hitting, and defensive skills set a new standard for catchers, and he was widely respected by teammates and opponents alike. Hartnett was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955, remembered as a leader on and off the field.
Hartnett's Awards and Honors
- 6× All-Star (1933–1938)
- NL MVP (1935)
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
- Hit the famous “Homer in the Gloamin’” (1938)
- 4× NL Pennant Winner with the Cubs (1929, 1932, 1935, 1938)
- Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame (1955)
MLB Records
- Most home runs by a catcher at retirement
- First catcher in National League history to win MVP
- Hit the legendary “Homer in the Gloamin’”
- Four-time NL champion with the Chicago Cubs
- Caught 100+ games in 12 seasons
MLB Teams
As player
Chicago Cubs (1922–1940)
New York Giants (1941)
As manager
Chicago Cubs (1938–1940)
Number Worn:
9
MLB Stats
Seasons:
20 (1922–1941)
Games Played:
1,990
Hits:
1,912
Batting Average:
.297
Home Runs:
236
RBI:
1,179
Runs:
867
On-Base Percentage:
.370
Slugging Percentage:
.489
Managerial record:
203–176
Winning %
.536
George Brett
Inducted:
1999
Player Stats
Stats:
6-0, 200lb
Born:
May 15, 1953
Glen Dale, West Virginia
Position:
Third baseman / Designated hitter / First baseman
College:
NA
Brett's Awards and Honors
- 13× All-Star (1976–1988)
- World Series champion (1985)
- AL MVP (1980)
- ALCS MVP (1985)
- Gold Glove Award (1985)
- 3× Silver Slugger Award (1980, 1985, 1988)
- 3× AL batting champion (1976, 1980, 1990)
- Kansas City Royals No. 5 retired
- Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame
MLB Teams
Kansas City Royals (1973–1993)
MLB draft:
NA
Numbers Worn:
5
MLB Stats
Seasons:
21
Games Played:
2,707
At Bats:
10,349
Batting Average:
.305
Hits:
3,154
Home Runs:
317
Runs:
1583
Runs Batted In:
1,596
Stolen Bases
201
On Base Percentage:
.369
George Kelly
Inducted:
1973
Player Details
6-4, 190lb (193cm, 86kg)
Born:
September 10, 1895
San Francisco, California, U.S.
Died:
October 13, 1984
Burlingame, California, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
College:
NA
George Lange “High Pockets” Kelly (1895–1984) was a tall, smooth-fielding first baseman whose timely hitting and dependable glove made him a key figure in the New York Giants’ success of the early 1920s. He broke into the majors in 1915 and became a full-time starter by 1920, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive run producers.
Kelly led the National League in RBIs twice and in home runs once, helping power the Giants to consecutive World Series championships in 1921 and 1922. Known for his exceptional range and strong arm at first base, he was equally dangerous at the plate, finishing his career with a .297 batting average, 1,778 hits, and 1,020 RBIs.
His ability to deliver in critical moments, combined with his defensive mastery, earned him induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, cementing his place among the game’s most respected first basemen.
Kelly's Award and Honors
- 2× World Series champion (1921, 1922)
- Led National League in RBIs (1920, 1924)
- Led National League in home runs (1921)
- Multiple seasons leading NL in putouts at first base
MLB Records
- Hit home runs in six consecutive games, tying a National League record
- Regarded as one of the best defensive first basemen of his era
- Key run producer during Giants’ early 1920s dynasty
MLB Teams
New York Giants (1915–1917)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1917)
New York Giants (1919–1926)
Cincinnati Reds (1927–1930)
Chicago Cubs (1930)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1932)
Number Worn:
38
MLB Stats
Seasons:
1915-1932
Games played:
1,622
Hits:
1,778
Doubles:
337
Triples:
76
Home runs:
148
RBIs:
1,020
Runs scored:
819
Stolen bases:
65
Batting average:
.297
George Sisler
Inducted:
1939
Player Stats
Born:
March 24, 1893
Manchester, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
March 26, 1973
Richmond Heights, Missouri, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
Manager
College:
University of Michigan
George Sisler was one of baseball’s most skilled and graceful first basemen, known for his remarkable contact hitting and athletic fielding. Playing the bulk of his career with the St. Louis Browns (1915–1927), Sisler batted over .400 twice and led the league in hits and stolen bases multiple times.
In 1920, he set a Major League record with 257 hits—a mark that stood until 2004. His smooth swing and disciplined approach at the plate made him a tough out in any lineup. Despite missing the entire 1923 season due to sinus-related vision issues, Sisler returned to remain a productive hitter and respected team leader. He retired with a career batting average of .340.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939, Sisler is remembered as one of the finest pure hitters in the game’s history.
Sisler's Awards and Honors
- 2× AL batting champion (1920, 1922)
- 4× AL stolen base leader (1918, 1921, 1922, 1927)
- 2× AL Batting Champion (1920, 1922)
- 257 hits in 1920 — MLB single-season record (stood for 84 years)
- MVP (American League, 1922)
MLB Records
- Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (1939)
- Led AL in hits twice and stolen bases four times
- Career .340 batting average
MLB Teams
As Player
St. Louis Browns (1915–1922, 1924–1927)
Washington Senators (1928)
Boston Braves (1928–1930)
As Manager
St. Louis Browns (1924–1926)
MLB Stats
Games Played
2,055
At Bats
8,267
Hits
2,812
Batting Average
.340
Runs Scored
1,284
Home Runs
102
Runs Batted In (RBI)
1,178
Stolen Bases
375
On-Base Percentage
.379
OPS (On-base + Slugging)
.847
Managerial record
218–241
Winning %
.475
George Weiss
Inducted:
1971
GM Stats
5-11(180cm), 175 pounds
Born:
June 23, 1894
New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Died:
August 13, 1972
Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
Position:
Executive
College:
NA
George Weiss was one of baseball’s most influential executives, best known for building the New York Yankees dynasty during the mid-20th century. He began his career in baseball as general manager of the Yankees’ top minor league affiliate, the Newark Bears, where he developed a strong farm system that later became the backbone of the Yankees’ success.
As Yankees general manager from 1947 to 1960, Weiss oversaw a period of remarkable dominance, with the team winning 10 American League pennants and 7 World Series titles under his leadership. He was recognized for his keen eye in player development, shrewd trades, and ability to maintain a consistent championship culture.
Later, Weiss became the first president of the New York Mets, helping lay the groundwork for the franchise’s future. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971, Weiss is remembered as one of baseball’s greatest team-builders.
Weiss' Awards and Honors
- New York Yankees GM (1947–1960)
- 7× World Series Champion GM (1947, 1949–1953, 1956, 1958)
- 10× American League Pennants (1947, 1949–1953, 1955–1958, 1960)
- New York Mets President (1961–1966)
- Built one of the most successful farm systems in baseball history
MLB Teams
As General Manager:
New York Yankees (1948-1960)
New York Mets (1962-1966)
Notable Achievements
- Oversaw Yankees’ five consecutive World Series titles (1949–1953)
- New York Mets’ first president (1961–196
George Wright
Inducted:
1937
Manager Stats
Born:
January 28, 1847
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Died:
August 21, 1937
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Position:
Executive/Pioneer contributors
George Wright was one of baseball’s earliest stars and a central figure in the sport’s formative years. A shortstop by trade, Wright gained fame playing for the undefeated 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings, considered the first fully professional baseball team. Known for his powerful bat and fielding prowess, he helped revolutionize the shortstop position with his athletic range and instincts.
Wright played for several teams in the National Association and later the National League, including the Boston Red Stockings, where he won multiple championships. A skilled leader and respected competitor, Wright was part of six league championship teams during his career. After retiring, he remained active in sports, promoting tennis and continuing to shape the legacy of baseball’s early days.
Wright was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937 by the Veterans Committee, honoring his crucial role in shaping the game during its pioneering era.
Wright's Awards and Honors
- 6× National Association/League champion
- Member of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings
- Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (1937)
- Pioneering shortstop of the 19th century
- Instrumental in the spread of professional baseball
MLB Teams
Providence Grays (As Manager-1879)
MLB Stats
Seasons:
1
Games Managed:
85
Wins:
59
Losses:
25
Tied:
1
Winning Percentage:
.702
Goose Goslin
Inducted:
1968
Player Stats
5-11, 185lb (180cm, 83kg)
Born:
October 16, 1900
Salem, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
May 15, 1971
Bridgeton, New Jersey, U.S.
Position:
Left fielder
College:
NA
Leon “Goose” Goslin was one of the most consistent hitters of baseball’s live-ball era. Over a 18-year career, mostly with the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers, Goslin compiled a .316 batting average, 2,735 hits, and 1,609 RBIs. A smooth-swinging lefty, he was a key force in helping the Senators win their only World Series in 1924 and later contributed to Detroit’s 1935 championship.
Goslin finished with 500+ doubles, 170+ triples, and 248 home runs — a rare blend of power and contact. He recorded 100+ RBIs in 11 different seasons and was known for his clutch hitting in October, batting .317 across five World Series appearances. Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1968, Goose Goslin's legacy lies in his run-producing ability, postseason performance, and role as one of the premier outfielders of the 1920s and 1930s.
Goslin's Awards and Honors
- All-Star (1936)
- 2× World Series champion (1924, 1935)
- AL batting champion (1928)
- AL RBI leader (1924)
- Washington Nationals Ring of Honor
- 11 seasons with 100+ RBIs
- Top 10 MVP voting multiple times
MLB Records
- 173 career triples – Ranks 18th in MLB history
- One of only a few players to win World Series titles in both leagues
- Only player to hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in a Game 6 World Series clincher
- Part of one of MLB’s earliest outfields to combine speed, power, and average
- Ranks among top 100 all-time in hits, RBIs, runs, doubles, and OPS
MLB Teams
Washington Senators (1921–1930)
St. Louis Browns (1930–1932)
Washington Senators (1933)
Detroit Tigers (1934–1937)
Washington Senators (1938)
MLB Stats
Games Played:
2,287
Batting Average:
.316
Hits:
2,735
Home Runs:
248
RBIs:
1,609
Runs Scored:
1,482
Doubles:
500
Triples:
173
Stolen Bases:
176
OPS:
.887
Grover Cleveland Alexander
Inducted:
1938
Player Stats
6-1, 185lb (185cm, 83kg)
Born:
February 26, 1887
Elba, Nebraska, U.S.
Died:
November 4, 1950
St. Paul, Nebraska, U.S.
Position:
Pitcher
Grover Cleveland Alexander, known as “Old Pete,” was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball history. Debuting in 1911, he quickly made his mark with pinpoint control, a sharp curveball, and unmatched mound presence. Over a 20-year career, Alexander played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals, finishing with 373 wins, tied for third-most in MLB history.
He won the pitching Triple Crown three times and led the league in ERA five times. Alexander’s most legendary moment came during the 1926 World Series, when he came out of the bullpen in Game 7 for the Cardinals and struck out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded—securing the title.
Despite battling personal hardships and health issues, Alexander’s career was filled with brilliance and consistency. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938, honoring his place among the game’s all-time greats.
Alexander's Awards and Honors
- World Series champion (1926)
- 3× Triple Crown (1915, 1916, 1920)
- 6× NL wins leader (1911, 1914–1917, 1920)
- 4× NL ERA leader (1915, 1916, 1919, 1920)
- 6× NL strikeout leader (1912, 1914–1917, 1920)
- Philadelphia Phillies jersey retired
- Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame
MLB Teams
Philadelphia Phillies (1911–1917)
Chicago Cubs (1918–1926)
St. Louis Cardinals (1926–1929)
Philadelphia Phillies (1930)
MLB Stats
Seasons Played:
20 (1911–1930)
Games:
696
Games Started:
600
Wins:
373
Losses:
208
ERA:
2.56
Strikeouts:
2,198
Shutouts:
90
Complete Games:
437
Innings Pitched:
5,190
WHIP:
~1.12
Hank Greenberg
Inducted:
1956
Player Stats
6-3, 210lb (190cm, 95kg)
Born:
January 1, 1911
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Died:
September 4, 1986
Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Position:
First baseman
College:
NA
Hank Greenberg was one of the most feared sluggers of baseball’s Golden Age and a trailblazing Jewish-American athlete. Playing most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, Greenberg crushed 331 home runs and drove in 1,276 runs in just 1,394 games. A two-time AL MVP, he hit 58 homers in 1938 — just two shy of Babe Ruth’s record — and led the league in RBIs four times.
He missed nearly four full seasons while serving in World War II, yet returned in 1945 to help the Tigers win a World Series title with a clutch pennant-clinching homer. Greenberg was known not just for his bat but also for his courage, dignity, and role in breaking barriers during a time of cultural tension.
He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1956 and remains one of the greatest power hitters and role models in baseball history.
Greenberg's Awards and Honors
- 5× All-Star (1937–1940, 1945)
- 2× World Series champion (1935, 1945)
- 2× AL MVP (1935, 1940)
- 4× AL home run leader (1935, 1938, 1940, 1946)
- 4× AL RBI leader (1935, 1937, 1940, 1946)
- Detroit Tigers No. 5 retired
- Only player to win MVPs at two different positions
MLB Records
- One of only two players to win AL MVP at two different positions
- Hit 58 home runs in 1938 – the most in the AL between 1928 and 1961
- First Jewish-American superstar in Major League Baseball
- One of five players with 100+ RBIs in 7 consecutive seasons (1934–1940)
MLB Teams
Detroit Tigers (1930, 1933–1941, 1945–1946)
Pittsburgh Pirates (1947)
Number Worn:
5
MLB Stats
Seasons:
13 (1930, 1933–1941, 1945–1947)
Games Played:
1,394
Hits:
1,628
Batting Average:
.313
Home Runs:
331
RBIs:
1,276
Runs:
1,046
Doubles:
379
Triples:
71
On-Base Percentage (OBP):
.412
Slugging Percentage (SLG):
.605
OPS:
1.017
"Every Inning is History. Every Fan is a Legacy"
From the crack of the bat to the final out, celebrate the heritage of the game. Whether you're chasing Cooperstown legends of today’s stars, find your official colors and wear the history of the diamond.
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MLB Hall of Fame
The MLB Hall of Fame is a revered institution dedicated to honoring the greatest contributions to baseball. Located in Cooperstown, New York, it serves as a shrine to the game's rich history and the legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the field. Each year, the Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony that celebrates the newest members of its prestigious ranks, commonly referred to as the Hall of Fame class.
These ceremonies are significant events in the baseball calendar, drawing fans, players, and media worldwide to witness the acknowledgment of baseball's finest. The inductees are celebrated for their remarkable career achievements, which include outstanding statistics, memorable performances, and contributions that have shaped the game. The Hall recognizes players, managers, umpires, and contributors who have significantly impacted the sport.
Among the many iconic moments celebrated within the Hall are record-breaking home runs, historic games, and unforgettable plays that have become a part of baseball lore. Each inductee's journey to the Hall is a testament to their skill, perseverance, and dedication to the sport. The Hall of Fame also outlines the eligibility criteria, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.
Visitors to the Hall can explore exhibits featuring historical contributions from various eras of baseball, showcasing memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that tell the game's story. From famous inductees like Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson to the more recent stars, the Hall preserves the legacy of these athletes, allowing future generations to appreciate their greatness.
In addition to the exhibits, the Hall of Fame hosts numerous events throughout the year, including educational programs and community outreach initiatives, to foster a love for baseball among young fans. The memorable speeches during induction ceremonies often reflect on the inductees' journeys, the challenges they faced, and their impact on their teams and the sport.
Ultimately, the MLB Hall of Fame celebrates excellence in baseball, a place where the past is remembered and the future is inspired. It is a vital part of baseball culture, ensuring that the stories of its greatest players are never forgotten and continue to resonate with fans worldwide.