Yes, there have been instances of antisemitism in the history of MLB baseball. Over the course of a century, incidents of discrimination and prejudice toward Jewish players have been recorded in the sport, both in Major League Baseball and at other levels. Some Jewish players have faced insults, exclusions, and barriers to full participation in baseball due to their religious identity. Despite these challenges, many Jewish players have made significant contributions to the sport and overcome adversity.
One of the most well-known examples is Hank Greenberg, who played in Major League Baseball in the 1930s and 1940s. Henry Benjamin Greenberg was born in New York City on January 1, 1911, and died on September 4, 1986, in California. Nicknamed “Hammerin Hank,” “Hankus Pankus,” or “the Hebrew Hammer,” he primarily played for the Detroit Tigers as a first baseman. A Hall of Famer and two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winner (1935 and 1940), he was one of the leading power hitters of his generation and is widely considered one of the greatest home run hitters in history.
Greenberg faced anti-Semitic taunts from opposing fans and players throughout his career. He also had to deal with the pressure of being one of the few Jewish players in the majors at the time. Another example is Sandy Koufax, who experienced tensions related to his Jewish faith, especially when he decided not to play on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), an important day of observance in Judaism, during the 1965 World Series. His decision received widespread attention and sparked discussions about religion and sports. Worse still, he was publicly insulted even by fans of his own team, the Dodgers, not for any play or action, but for his Jewish identity.
Hank Greenberg: The Fight Against Antisemitism in Baseball During the Summer of 1938
In a context where antisemitism was on the rise, Hank Greenberg, one of the few Jews in baseball at the time, defied the barriers in one of the most antisemitic cities in the country: Detroit. This Tigers slugger was determined to make history in the sport, confronting not only opposing pitchers but also the shadows of hatred that loomed over Europe with Hitler’s Nazism.
The year 1938 marked a turning point in the history of baseball and humanity, with the rise of the Nazi regime and the threat it posed to Jews in Europe, to democracies, and to the free world. In the midst of this storm, Ron Kaplan, a passionate writer and sports fan, delved into Greenberg’s life to capture his courageous fight against antisemitism in his book, “Hank Greenberg in 1938: Hate and Home Runs in the Shadow of War.”
Greenberg was coming off a stellar 1937 season with the Tigers, where he hit 40 home runs with a .337 batting average. However, his success extended beyond the ballpark. For many Jews in the United States, Greenberg became a symbol of hope during a time of increasing persecution in Europe.
Despite facing antisemitism both on and off the field, Greenberg refused to use it as an excuse. While some pitchers tried to sabotage his achievements, intentionally walking him to prevent him from breaking records, he remained steadfast in his determination to overcome adversity.
In Kaplan’s words, “Despite being one of the few Jews in the game, playing in one of the most anti-Semitic cities in the country (Detroit), Greenberg was trying to break Babe Ruth’s home run record (60 in the 1927 season). While the crowds loved him and much of the country cheered him on, some didn’t want to see a Jew claim the mighty Babe’s crown.”
In that same 1938 season, Greenberg hit 58 home runs, two shy of tying the legendary Babe Ruth. In those years, even the MLB Commissioners were opposed to any player breaking Ruth’s record, as happened in 1961 with Roger Maris, who faced all the pressure from insiders and outsiders to prevent him from achieving it.
Greenberg’s courage and integrity were further highlighted when, in 1941, he put aside his playing to enlist in the U.S. Army, joining the fight against the Nazi regime. His commitment to justice and equality resonated in an era marked by intolerance and discrimination. It’s worth noting that dozens of baseball players during those years of World War II (1938-1945) were forced to serve in the military, some never returning. Greenberg was fortunate enough, and in 1945, after four seasons, he returned to play in the Major Leagues with his Tigers.
Today, as we reflect on Greenberg’s story and his confrontation with antisemitism, we are reminded of the importance of upholding the values of inclusion and respect in all walks of life. Although some of the problems of 1938 still persist in today’s society, the courage of people like Hank Greenberg inspires us to continue fighting for a more just and equitable world.
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