What better way to start the New Year than an APBA card of Hank Greenberg? Not only was he born on January 1 but his birth date is 1-1-11!
This is Detroit Tiger firstbaseman Greenberg’s 1936 card. It’s not his best year by a longshot despite the look of his card. Why? He only played 12 games. However, despite only 46 at-bats, ten of of those resulted in extra base hits. That accounts for Greenberg’s 55-0.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1936 Totals | 12 | 55 | 46 | 10 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 1 | 9 | 6 | .348 | .455 | .630 |
Greenberg’s slugging continued to wow Tigers fans for the next four years. He led the the AL in rbis in 1937 with 184. In 1938, he came within two homers of Babe Ruth’s relatively new record and knocked out 58 dingers. His 1940 season was probably his best, leading the league in doubles, homers, rbis and slugging, winning the AL MVP for the second time.
Hammerin’ Hank was one of the underrated hitters of his era. He led his league (with some very tough competitors) in homers four times and led in rbis four times as well.
Happy New Year, everyone!!
