Hank Greenberg 5/295

I haven't yet posted about a deceased Hall of Famer but this is unfortunately the first of many. (He died in 1986 at the age of 75.)

Greenberg was one of the greatest and most popular Jewish players during a time when anti-semitism was rampant. Greenberg upheld himself so well that Jackie Robinson once said this about him:

"Class tells. It sticks out all over Mr. Greenberg."

It's worth noting that when Robinson broke into the Majors in 1947, Greenberg welcomed him with open arms and became a good friend during Robinson's difficult transition.

.313 career hitter
331 HR
1276 RBI
2 World Series titles (1935, 45)
1934 AL Pennant
2x AL MVP (1935, 40)
5x All-Star
37 (100 Greatest Players-1999)
#5 Tigers-Retired
Induction: 1956 (8th Ballot-BBWAA)

Hank Aaron 4/295

Henry "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron was more than just the all-time Home Run King for nearly 34 years, much more. He was an example of how a person can hold themselves when faced with adversity, tremendous amounts of strain and pressure, and when racism reveals its ugly head. He was also the mold for consistency. He is also one of only three players to ever amass 6000 or more total bases, the career leader. He is also one of only four members of the 3000 hit/500 HR club.

.305 career hitter
755 HR
3771 hits
2297 RBI
3x Gold Gloves
1957 NL MVP
1957 World Series title
1958 NL Pennant
25x All-Star
6856 TB
5 (100 Greatest Players-1999)
MLB All Century Team
#44 Braves & Brewers-Retired

Monte Irvin 3/295

Monte Irvin is the last living Hall of Fame member who was elected by the Negro League Special Committee and he is the last living member to have played the majority of his career in the Negro Leagues.

(He is also great TTM and only charges $10 for a flat item and $20 for a baseball and will include his HOF inscription for free, and he will usually place his own return address label sticker on it which I love! He signed my card for free last year so I added a little extra when I sent the postcard.)

.293 career hitter
99 HR
443 RBI
5x Negro League All-Star
1x MLB All-Star
1942 Mexican League MVP
WWII Veteran
1946 Negro League World Series title
1951 NL Pennant
1954 World Series title
#20 Giants-Retired
Induction: 1973 (Negro League Special Committee-Veteran's Committee)

Bobby Doerr 2/295

Stan Musial was one of the most under appreciated hall of famers, and Doerr is no exception.

Bobby Doerr is, and has been, one of the best TTM signers ever.

.228 batting average
223 HR
1247 RBI
9x All-Star
1944 TSN AL MVP
WWII Veteran
#1 Red Sox-Retired
Induction: 1986 (Veteran's Committee)

Stan "The Man" Musial 1/295

I thought that the best way to get the blog going was to start off with a gentleman both on and off the field. Musial currently has Alzheimer's and has been battling the disease for about five years now and I wish him well.

.331 career hitter
3630 hits
475 HR
1951 RBI
3x NL MVP (1943, 46, 48)
6134 TB
10th (100 Greatest Players 1999)
MLB All-Century Team
Presidential Medal of Freedom
24x All-Star
3 World Series Titles (1942, 44, 46)
WWII Veteran
#6 Cardinals-Retired
Hall of Fame: 1969 (1st Ballot)