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He hit his 40th home run of the season against the Giants' Jerry Johnson on August 10, which established a National League record for most seasons with 40 or more home runs (seven). Hank Aaron hits home run No. When the stadium was instead named Turner Field (after Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner), a section of Capitol Avenue running past the stadium was renamed Hank Aaron Drive. Aaron's autobiography, I Had a Hammer was published in 1990. It's 715! 756 to Break Aaron's Record", "Midsummer Classics: Celebrating MLB's All-Star Game", "Hank Aaron praises Barry Bonds for home run record", "Craig Sager's backstory more colorful than his clothes", "Police recover both of Hank Aaron's stolen cars after Atlanta home burglarized", "Milo Hamilton made Hank Aaron's homer itself star of No. On April 4, Opening Day, a 39-year-old Aaron sent the very first pitch he saw over the wall,. Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms released the following statement on his death: Derek, our family and I join the nation in sending heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Billye Aaron, the beautiful wife of Henry Hank Aaron for nearly 50 years, and the entire family. The next day, he made history back home. In 1974, Hank Aaron surpassed that mark, and then held the milestone for 33 years. [134] He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush in June 2002. Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball's former home-run king and a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves franchise, died on Friday. [63], At the end of the 1973 season, Aaron received a plaque from the U.S. A young Craig Sager actually interviewed Aaron between third and home for a television station, WXLT (now WWSB-Channel 40) in Sarasota. Hoping to lift the country out of the crippling Great Depression, Congress allowed the president to use the funds at his discretion. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. He was 86. But he was more than just a religious friend of mine, he was a friend because he talked as if he was not a priest sometimes." Aaron reportedly received 930,000 pieces of mail in 1973 the year before he broke Ruths record with enough including threats that the FBI got involved to protect him and his family. Sports Illustrated commemorates Hank Aaron's record-setting home run in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves opened the season on the road in Cincinnati with a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. 4/4/74: On Opening Day, Hank Aaron hits his 714th Major League home run, tying Babe Ruth for most home runs in Major League historyCheck out http://MLB.com/v. [61] The threats extended to those providing positive press coverage of Aaron. Research is still ongoing and we'll continue to publish updates as more information becomes available. [42], Considerably later in his career, Aaron coined "Stone-fingers", which would prove a popular handle for one of baseball's more colorful characters, the famously distance-hitting but defensively challenged first baseman Dick Stuart,[43] reportedly "delight[ing]" even its recipient. The game was also broadcast nationally on NBC. Bonds is the all-time home run leader: He hit those 762 balls over the fence, a majority of them unenhanced by chemists, all of them a testament to his skill, strength and determination. Sign up now to learn about This Day in History straight from your inbox. Aaron was born and raised in and around Mobile, Alabama. harvnb error: no target: CITEREFBraunsteinWolpin2006 (, Last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:06, List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball batting champions, List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders, List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders, List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders, List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders, List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders, List of Major League Baseball career triples leaders, List of Major League Baseball doubles records, List of Major League Baseball home run records, List of Major League Baseball individual streaks, List of Major League Baseball runs batted in records, "For single seasons, From 1876 to 2008, (requiring HR30), sorted by greatest Seasons matching criteria", "For single seasons, From 1876 to 2008, (requiring H150), sorted by greatest Seasons matching criteria", "Hank Aaron's searing words on the racism he faced should never be forgotten", "Hank Aaron: Baseball icon and civil rights activist dies aged 86", Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation 2013, "Dunbar Creative And Performing Arts Magnet School", "This date in Braves history: Hank Aaron's only inside-the-park homer", "Vin Scully's Call of Hank Aaron's 715th Home Run", "Aaron Gets Reception, Mets Get Trounced, 81", "The Braves Trade Henry Aaron to the Brewers", "July 15, 1975: In Milwaukee, NL wins fourth straight All-Star Game", "Game Over for Liberty's Purchase of Braves from Time Warner", "Braves' Sale Approved by Baseball Owners", "Charles Schwab Super Bowl XXXVI ad feat. [39] Aaron hit his first major league home run on April 23, also off Raschi. Aaron had seven siblings, including Tommie Aaron, who played major-league baseball with him. My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.[87]. [64] Babe Ruth's widow, Claire Hodgson, denounced the racism and declared that her husband would have enthusiastically cheered Aaron's attempt at the record. In a later interview with Atlanta sportscasting personality Chris Dimino, Aaron made it clear his reluctance to attend any celebration of a new home run record was based upon his personal conviction that baseball is not about breaking records, but simply playing to the best of one's potential. [53], In 1970, Aaron reached two more career milestones. The manner of death was listed as natural causes. [49], In 1963, Aaron nearly won the triple crown. Hank Aaron. [51], During his days in Atlanta, Aaron reached several milestones; he was only the eighth player ever to hit 500 career home runs, with his 500th coming against Mike McCormick of the San Francisco Giants on July 14, 1968exactly one year after former Milwaukee Braves teammate Eddie Mathews had hit his 500th. Eric Robert Rudolph was born read more. I didnt read most of them, but I wanted to have them as reminders, Aaron later wrote in his autobiography I Had a Hammer: The Hank Aaron Story.. Aaron finished third in the MVP race and he received his first of three Gold Glove Awards. Aaron was on the Board of Selectors of Jefferson Awards for Public Service. MLB, give him back his home run record. In 1988, Aaron was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. home run record and Gerrit Cole broke the Yankees' single-season strikeouts record. Robinson, who also bats second, homers in his first at-bat in Cleveland's 5-3 win. In the joy of the moment, the months of threats and insults were forgotten. Aaron was known to frequently read Thomas Kempis' 15th-century book The Imitation of Christ, which he kept in his locker. He would create his own bats and balls out of materials he found on the streets. Aaron would finish the season in Atlanta, go back to Milwaukee for two seasons as the Brewers' DH and end his career with 755 home runs. The act was unprecedented and read more, On April 8, 1994, rock star Kurt Cobain was found dead in his home in Seattle, Washington, with fresh injection marks in both arms and a fatal wound to the head from the 20-gauge shotgun found between his knees. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. [31] On January 21, 2007, Major League Baseball announced the sale of the Atlanta Braves. The night they met, Lucas decided to attend the Braves' game. MLB forced them to make him play and Aaron hit a home run in his first at bat in Cincinnati, but saved 715 for a few games later. [85][non-primary source needed] As Bonds began to close in on the record during the 2007 season, Aaron let it be known that, although he recognized Bonds' achievements, he would not be present when Bonds broke the record. [7] He was an NL All-Star for 20 seasons and an AL All-Star for one season, and he holds the record for the most All-Star selections (25),[a] while sharing the record for most All-Star Games played (24) with Willie Mays and Stan Musial. He was 86 [123] In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Aaron on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans. Henry Louis Aaron (February 5, 1934 - January 22, 2021), nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. [52] Aaron was, at the time, the second-youngest player to reach the milestone. [70], On October 2, 1974, Aaron hit his 733rd home run in his last at-bat as a Braves player. All Rights Reserved. [86] There was considerable speculation that this was a snubbing of Bonds based on the widespread belief that Bonds had used performance-enhancing drugs and steroids to aid his achievement. Playing in the infield, Aaron continued to develop as a ballplayer and made the Northern League's All-Star team. The spot sits outside American Family Field, where the Milwaukee Brewers currently play. Kemp orders flags to fly at half-staff to honor Hank Aaron", "Georgia Governor Brian Kemp: flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Hank Aaron", "Statement of President Joe Biden on the Passing of Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron", "President Joe Biden calls Hank Aaron 'an American hero', "Atlanta Braves 44: Hank Aaron's number painted on the field", "World Series Game 3: Braves hold emotional tribute to Hank Aaron", "Aaron's spirit lives on in World Series tribute", "Atlanta Braves receive World Series rings featuring 18.71-karat white gold, 755 diamonds and, yes, pearls", "Are These the 4 Most Important Athletes in Atlanta History? [124], When the city of Atlanta was converting Centennial Olympic Stadium into a new baseball stadium, many local residents hoped the stadium would be named for Aaron. He was also named The Sporting News NL Player of the Year. [114], The Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron during the 2021 season by including his jersey number 44 on the back of the team caps along with Phil Niekro's jersey number, 35 (who died one month earlier in December 2020). He led the Braves to another pennant, but this time they lost a seven-game World Series to the Yankees. Judge is now just one dinger shy of the AL home run record, set at 61 by fellow Yankee Roger Maris back in 1961. . Aaron, known as hard working and quiet, was the last Negro league player to also compete in the Major Leagues. CBS 46 and FOX 5 Atlanta were among those that first reported Aaron's death Friday. Similarly, the point where Aaron's 715th homer landed, upon breaking Ruth's career record in 1974, is marked in the Turner Field parking lot. "And he'll hit almost anything, so you have to be careful. Two score and seven years ago, the great Hank Aaron delivered one of the most iconic moments American sports and baseball history. [36], In 1954, Aaron attended spring training with the major league club. [100] He and several other African American public figures, including activist Joe Beasley, Andrew Young, and Louis Sullivan, did so to demonstrate the safety of the vaccine and encourage other black Americans to do the same. [5] His experiences fueled his activism during the civil rights movement.[6]. The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens werent close in what could be final Hall of Fame chance, If the Yankees lose Aaron Judge, heres how it could happen, Dusty Baker: No debate over true home run king, Aaron Judge hits 62nd home run to break Roger Maris record. [11] His family could not afford baseball equipment, so he practiced by hitting bottle caps with sticks. Pujols . A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. Every home run Hank Aaron hit over the course of his big league career appears below in chronological order, along with the date of the home run, his age at the time he homered, the pitcher who surrendered the home run, the inning (Inn), his batting order position (BOP) in the lineup, and where he was playing that day (Pos). "[45], Aaron hit .314 with 27 home runs and 106 RBIs, in 1955. [4] By his final MLB season, Aaron was the last former Negro league baseball player on a major league roster. [31], In December 1980, Aaron became senior vice president and assistant to the Braves' president. It is as of yet the only pennant-clinching walk-off home run in major league history in a non-playoff regular-season game. [15] Aaron attended Central High School[b] as a freshman and a sophomore. While he considered retirement, he said that he was willing to return to baseball for another year. [11][12] He had seven siblings. 756. According to the Hall of Fame 's stats keepers, Aaron leads both leagues in all-time ribbies, with 2.297 runs batted in during his storied career. On April 8, 1989, California Angels rookie pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand, makes his Major League Baseball debut in a 7-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners. Aaron was the first player to reach both Hall-worthy batting thresholds of 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Aaron clobbered his 715th career home run as a member of the Atlanta Braves and passed Babe Ruth to become baseball's all-time home run king.. For fans of Major League Baseball in the 1970s, Henry Aaron's superhero-like home run did a lot of things. [100][101], Aaron died in his sleep in his Atlanta residence on January 22, 2021 at the age of 86. [3] Aaron's ability as a hitter can be illustrated by his still having over 3,000 hits even without counting any of his home runs. Hank Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. I resented it, and I still resent it. In that announcement, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig also announced that Aaron would be playing a major role in the management of the Braves,[82] forming programs through major league baseball that will encourage the influx of minorities into baseball. He could run, too: He retired with 240 career steals and was only the third player,. )[149] Also in Atlanta, the Forrest Hill Academy was renamed the Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy in April 2021. [121] In 1988, Aaron was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame for his time spent on the Eau Claire Bears, Milwaukee Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. [125] Georgia State University acquired Turner Field and has since rebuilt it as Center Parc Stadium, in 2017, and university officials plan to build a new baseball park on the former AtlantaFulton County Stadium site, incorporating the left field wall where Aaron hit his record-breaking home run. It was presented during the university's unified commencement ceremony and was accepted on his behalf by his widow Billye. This is a considerable loss for the entire city of Atlanta. [127], On February 5, 1999, at his 65th birthday celebration, Major League Baseball announced the introduction of the Hank Aaron Award. Free shipping for many products! Hank Aaron, who hit 755 career home runs in the baseball's . However, some observers looked back on Aaron's personal history, pointing out that he had downplayed his own breaking of Babe Ruth's all-time record and suggesting Aaron was simply treating Bonds in a similar fashion. By 1969, his chances of breaking the Babe's record were in sight. The book's title is a play on his nickname, "The Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", and the title of the folk song "If I Had a Hammer". On the Dodgers broadcast for Aarons 715th home run, Vin Scully took note of the momentous occasion both for baseball and society. While the world knew him as Hammering Hank Aaron because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place. He signed a two-year contract with the Brewers for $240,000 per year. For three decades the baseball player Hank Aaron, who has died aged 86, held the record for hitting more home runs - 755 - than anyone in major league history, and will be remembered in. That whole period, I lived like a guy in a fishbowl, swimming from side to side with nowhere to go, watching everybody watch me. Considered one of the greatest baseball players in history, he spent 21 seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL) and two seasons with the . Like most high schools, they did not have organized baseball, so he played outfield and third base for the Mobile Black Bears, a semipro team. [11] Tommie Aaron, one of his brothers, also went on to play Major League Baseball. [37] On April 13, Aaron made his major league debut and was hitless in five at-bats against the Cincinnati Reds' left-hander Joe Nuxhall. [11] Helped by Aaron's performance, the Braves won the league championship that year. He finished the 1973 season with 713 home runs -. On April 27, 1971, Aaron hit his 600th career home run, the third major league player ever to do so. At the end of the 1969 season, Aaron again finished third in the MVP voting. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. In a statement, the Braves said Aaron died peacefully. Aaron's record was . While he was born in a section of Mobile referred to as "Down the Bay", he spent most of his youth in Toulminville. Former Braves minor league player and sportswriter Pat Jordan said, "Aaron gave [Geraghty] much of the credit for his own swift rise to stardom. Considered one of the greatest baseball players in history, he spent 21 seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL) and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League (AL). Hank Aaron Stats. [25] Aaron received an outpouring of public support in response to the bigotry. He finished with 755 overall before retiring after the 1976 season. By the end of the season, he had performed so well that the league made him the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year. [10], Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, to Herbert Aaron Sr. and Estella (Pritchett) Aaron. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who battled racial prejudice and hatred on his way to breaking the major leagues' career home run record, has died at the age of 86, the Atlanta . The life and death of Hank Aaron (1934-2021) The Atlanta. Politicians also paid tribute to him. The nickname quickly gained currency, but "Henry" continued to be cited frequently in the media, both sometimes appearing in the same article, and Aaron would answer to either one. Michael Sablica, with helping him grow as a person in the 1950s. Home run number seven-hundred fourteen (714) tied Babe Ruth and seven-hundred fifteen (715) made Hank Aaron the all-time home . Aaron went on to play through the end of the 1976 season, finishing with 755 career home runs, 3,771 hits and 2,297 RBI. Yankees outfielder growing golf profile alongside Tiger Wo Daniel Jones needs to see big picture in Giants negotiations, Red-hot Jon Rahm no match for wind-swept Bay Hill: 'F--king hard', The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast, The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman, Amazin' But True: A NY Mets Baseball Podcast, Gangs All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave. Henry Aaron Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com Henry Aaron Name Note: commonly referred to as Hank Aaron Positions: Rightfielder and First Baseman Bats: Right Throws: Right 6-0 , 180lb (183cm, 81kg) More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Hall of Fame MVP 25x All-Star 1957 World Series 3x Gold Glove