Although he missed time through injuries, military service (1942-1945), and early retirement (1947), Hank Greenberg still ranks as one of the most fearsome sluggers in baseball history (331 home runs, 1276 rbi). The powerful right-hander played only the equivalent of nine-and-a-half seasons yet produced outstanding career totals as well as exceptional season marks. Hank and Sandy Koufax are considered the two greatest Jewish players in baseball history.

Hank had been scouted while at James Monroe High School in the Bronx by the Yankees (but they already had Lou Gehrig at first base), and John McGraw of the New York Giants, who were on the lookout for Jewish players given the large Jewish fan base in New York. McGraw ended up passing on Hank (he thought he was too uncoordinated), but Hank signed with the Detroit Tigers and went on to a stellar career there.

This is a yearbook from Hank’s junior year at James Monroe High School (1927). The yearbook only pictures seniors, but there is an “autograph” page in the back of the book. Hank signed his name along with some fellow underclassmen. Interestingly, he signed it with his Hebrew name, “Hyman B. Greenberg”. This is the earliest known Hank Greenberg autograph and perhaps the only known autograph of the great Jewish slugger using his Hebrew name.