[2] Nicknamed "Ozark Ike" after the popular comic strip character, Zernial was one of the most prolific power hitters of the 1950s, joining Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Larry Doby in the American League for most home runs in the decade.

After he hit 29 homers for the White Sox in 1950, Zernial was sent to the Athletics in a trade that brought Minnie Miñoso to Chicago in 1951.

Sal Maglie, former star pitcher for the New York Giants, wrote that Zernial had a "pretty big" strike zone, due to his stand-up posture when he was at the plate.

[4] This photo recognized that he had tied an American League record by hitting six home runs in three consecutive games from May 13–16, 1951.

[5] Zernial was the first player to hit three home runs in the final game of a season, a record equalled by Dick Allen in 1968 and Evan Longoria and Dan Johnson in 2012.

The "handsome" young Zernial was chosen to pose with rising star Monroe in a movie-studio publicity shot.