One reason why the Pirates ownership/management wanted Greenberg was so he could mentor a young slugger named Ralph Kiner. And, unbeknownst to them at the time, by being in the National League Hank was able to play against Jackie Robinson in his first season in the majors. The 2 shared a lot in common, besides their amazing talent; they both had to face taunting and hatred from opposing players/managers/fans (and even teammates).
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