THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HANK GREENBERG is the story of a baseball player who transcended ethnic and religious prejudice to become a hero for all Americans. Hank Greenberg’s achievements during the “Golden Age of Baseball” in the thirties and forties rivaled those of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.The highlights of his inspirational career constantly made the national headlines and captured the imagination not only of sportswriters but also of his loyal fans. His 1938 attempt to beat Babe Ruth’s home run record was followed closely in the press and by baseball fans all over America. In May 1941, Greenberg again made headline news as the first star ballplayer to enlist in the Armed Services. In June 1945, he was the first ballplayer to attempt a comeback after so long an absence from the sport. He did so successfully by hitting a home run in the first game he played upon his return.

As America’s first Jewish baseball star, he helped break down the barriers of discrimination in American sports and society and was a beacon of hope to millions of American Jews who faced bigotry during the Depression and World War II. His last year in baseball, 1947, coincided with Jackie Robinson’s first. Greenberg was able to offer Robinson encouragement learned from his early days, when opposing teams and fans taunted him with anti-Semitic remarks.

Director Aviva Kempner will be in attendance and an optional “ballpark bites” lunch follows the screening. For more information about the “ballpark bites” lunch, click here.