2019 Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction Lots 1-82 Close Aug 1- 83-end close 8/10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/11/2019
1946 was one of Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg's finest seasons, slugging 44 home runs and 127 RBI to lead the league. Greenberg was in his second season, returning from a five-year absence due to his military service in World War II. Yet even after such a season the Tigers balked at their star’s salary demands for the 1947 season. When no agreement was met Hank decided to quit rather than play ball at a reduced rate. The Tigers in turn sold Greenberg's contract to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Offered here are a pair of Detroit Tigers stirrups that were worn by Hank Greenberg during the 1946 season. This was the final season in Detroit for “Hammerin” Hank and these socks are navy in color with two orange stripes. The bottom of the stirrups are white. These socks are in good condition for their age and were gifted to a batboy, who’s detailed LOA is provided with this item, following his departure from Detroit. A great piece of history from Greenberg’s last season with the Tigers and these socks come with a LOA from Chuck Pasternak, who was the Cleveland Indians bat boy for visiting teams in 1947 and states that “The Detroit Tiger team stockings were given to me by Hank Greenberg after the Tigers traded him to the Pittsburg Pirates.”