Detroit Tigers Top Five First Basemen Of All Time

#2 Hank Greenberg

There are a number of ways you can describe Hank Greenberg. Detroit Tiger, Hall of Famer and American Hero.  Hammerin’ Hank gave up three seasons in the prime of his career to serve his country in World War II. Despite that, Greenberg still managed to wallop 331 home runs while collecting two MVP’s along the way.

Hank Greenberg actually served in twice during World War II.  He was originally drafted in 1940 and was released just prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  After the day that would live in infamy Greenberg would be among the first major leaguer baseball players to reenlist and earned the rank of captain while serving in the China-Burma Theatre.

In his first full season after returning from WWII Greenberg led the league with an amazing 44 home runs.  He would depart the Tigers a year later after a contract dispute resulted in his contract being sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Greenberg ranks in the top 3 of every nearly every Detroit Tigers career hitting statistic.  His 58 home run season in 1938 is still the best single season performance of any Tigers power hitter.

Some would argue that Greenberg is the best Tiger ever to play much less first base.

Next: #1 Miguel Cabrera