Harris & Ewing · Public domain

Nicknamed "the Hebrew Hammer," he was one of the premier power hitters of the 1930s and 40s, twice AL MVP with the Detroit Tigers, and his 58 home runs in 1938 remain the American League's high mark for a right-handed batter chasing Babe Ruth's record. He was a prominent, visible Jewish athlete at a time of rising antisemitism, and when the United States entered World War II he became the first major leaguer to enlist, serving 47 months — longer than any other player in the majors.