Baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron (1934-2021) developed his skills in Alabama, propelling him to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Renowned for surpassing Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs with a remarkable total of 755, Aaron’s career achievements, including the most runs batted in and extra base hits, remain unmatched. Throughout his playing years, he earned the nicknames “Hammerin’ Hank” and “Bad Henry,” highlighting his exceptional hitting abilities.

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Early Life and Career

Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a low-income neighborhood known as “Down the Bay,” alongside his brother Tommie, who also played for the Atlanta Braves. Aaron’s unique batting style, with his left hand higher on the bat despite being right-handed, stood out. He excelled not only in baseball but also in football, attending Mobile’s Central High School with future baseball Hall-of-Famer Willie McCovey.

Aaron’s initial attempt to join the major leagues was in 1949 at the age of 15 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, but he fell short. He began his professional career as a shortstop for the Mobile Black Bears in the Negro Leagues, earning $10.00 per game. Subsequently, Aaron joined the Indianapolis Clowns in the Negro American League, leading them to a 1952 Negro League World Series victory. The Boston Braves of the National League purchased his contract, and he played in their minor-league affiliate in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1954, Aaron emerged as the right fielder for the Braves, who had relocated to Milwaukee in 1953. He quickly established himself as a highly skilled all-around player. The following year, Aaron won the National League batting title with a .328 average, and in 1957, he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Alongside teammates Eddie Matthews and Warren Spahn, the Braves captured the National League pennant and triumphed over the New York Yankees in the World Series. Aaron’s stellar performance earned him the series MVP title, as he achieved a .393 batting average, hit three home runs, and recorded seven RBIs. Despite their success, the Braves fell short of securing another championship the following year, losing to the Yankees.

Aaron’s Record-Breaking Career

In 1963, Aaron had a remarkable season, leading the National League with 44 home runs and 130 runs batted in (RBIs). He narrowly missed achieving the coveted Triple Crown, finishing third in batting average with a .319. Furthermore, Aaron stole 30 bases, becoming only the third player in history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. The Braves relocated to Atlanta in 1966, and on April 8, 1974, Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth’s home run record, hitting his 715th home run.

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Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers at the end of the 1974 season, Aaron played his final two years in the Major Leagues, finishing his illustrious career with a total of 755 home runs. Throughout his relentless pursuit of surpassing Babe Ruth’s record, Aaron faced numerous hate mail and threatening calls, many of which contained racial slurs. However, he displayed remarkable composure in the face of adversity.

Gold Glove Awards and Legacy

Between 1958 and 1960, Aaron was honored with the Gold Glove Award for outfield, which recognizes the best fielders in their respective leagues. Throughout his career from 1954 to 1976, he made the National League All-Star team for an impressive 21 consecutive seasons, from 1955 to 1975. In January 1982, Aaron was rightfully elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving an overwhelming 97.8 percent of the votes cast, second only to Ty Cobb’s 98.2 percent. Aaron’s remarkable statistics include a .305 batting average, placing him third on the all-time hits list behind Pete Rose and Ty Cobb. He is also one of only four players to accomplish both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. In 2000, he was recognized as one of the 30 greatest players in baseball history. Aaron currently holds the records for most runs batted in (2,297) and most extra-base hits (1,477). His home run record stood until 2007 when Barry Bonds surpassed it.

After retiring as a player, Aaron returned to Atlanta and served in the Braves’ front office for many years. The Mobile Bay Bears’ minor league stadium was renamed Hank Aaron Stadium in his honor in 1997. Since 1999, Major League Baseball has awarded the Hank Aaron Award annually to the best offensive player in both the American and National Leagues. In 2002, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Statues of Aaron can be found in three different baseball stadiums: Atlanta’s Turner Field, Milwaukee’s Miller Park, and Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In September 2010, Aaron’s childhood home was moved to Hank Aaron Stadium, becoming the Hank Aaron Childhood Home and Museum. Hank Aaron passed away on January 22, 2021, in Atlanta, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of baseball.

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