Baseball legend Hank Aaron died today at the age of 86. Henry “Hank” Aaron was born in Alabama in 1934.
He made his Major League debut with the then-Milwaukee Braves. He played primarily for the Atlanta Braves during his 23-year career. “Hammerin’ Hank,” as he became to be known, broke Babe Ruth’s home run record of 714 home runs in 1974. He finished his career with 755 total home runs. Aaron was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame 1982. To this day, he remains baseball’s runs batted in leader with 2,297 and total base leader with 6,856.
After retiring as a player, he rejoined the Atlanta Braves in 1976 as an executive. He was later named the Braves’ vice president and director of player development, making him one of the first minorities in Major League Baseball in upper-level management.
Additional Audio:
WSB Radio made the call when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record in 1974.
Hank Aaron played in the Negro leagues and recently reflected on its importance.
The sports world reacts to the loss of a legend.
The baseball world is reacting to the passing of the former home run king Hank Aaron. The man who broke his record, Barry Bonds, wrote on Twitter, “He is an icon, a legend and a true hero to so many, who will forever be missed.”
Former baseball commissioner and former Milwaukee Brewers owner Bug Selig said “This is so devastating. I know some people may quarrel with it but I’ve always said he was the greatest player of our generation. But he was a better human being. I’m so sad.”
Former Braves great Dale Murphy wrote “There was a certain spirit, even a reverence, when in Hank Aaron’s presence that you could feel. Grace, strength, integrity.”
Former Brave and Hall of Famer Chipper Jones said of Aaron he was a “Transcending baseball player but a transcending person in American history … Epitome of class and integrity.”
