Hank Greenberg Invitational Hitting Home Runs Against Cancer

Hank Greenberg

About the Event

Hank Greenberg Profile

To many who loved baseball, the name Hank Greenberg conjures up images of the basic spirit of the game. Greenberg's hard work and dedication to baseball resulted in a string of Major League and American League records that remains unbroken.

In 15 years — of which only nine were full seasons — Greenberg had an impressive overall batting average of .313, as well as 1,276 runs batted in. Beyond his outstanding athletic prowess, however, Greenberg is noted for helping to bring down many barriers. Because of his accomplishments, Greenberg became one of the greatest Jewish sports heroes of all time.

Today, Hank Greenberg's fans, young and old, remember him, not only for the incredible things he did on the baseball diamond but also for his integrity that glittered like a precious jewel when he hung up his spikes. He gave his Jewish fans pride in the heritage.

Integrity was what legendary Detroit Tiger Hank Greenberg personified, both on and off the baseball field. In contrast to many of today's professional athletes who do not take responsibility as role models in our society, the original "Hammerin' Hank" recognized the importance of setting examples for his fans.

The Charity

When the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame made Hank Greenberg one of its first inductees in 1985, he was already stricken with cancer. To assist in the efforts to eradicate this disease that eventually took Hank's life, the Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation has designated that the proceeds of each Hank Greenberg Memorial Golf Invitational go toward cancer research and the fight against cancer in the Metro-Detroit area.

The Lawrence and Idell Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center located on Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills, Michigan is testimony to the efforts and commitment of the Hank Greenberg Golf Invitational and the entire Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation.