He played right field for the Milwaukee Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. [49], In 1963, Aaron nearly won the triple crown. Nearly 28 years earlier, the read more, Pirates had not captured a ship sailing under the American flag since the 1820s until April 8, 2009, when the MV Maersk Alabama was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. The Braves legend, who died Friday at the age of 86, made history while receiving death threats and hate mail on the way to surpassing Ruth in the record books late in his Hall of Fame career, which spanned from 1954-1976. We've received your submission. With his second wife, he had one child, Ceci. Henry Louis Aaron Jr., born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 5, 1934, made his Major League debut in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves, just seven years after Jackie Robinson broke baseballs color barrier and became the first African American to play in the majors. 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. And it is a great moment for all of us, and particularly for Henry Aaron And for the first time in a long time, that poker face in Aaron shows the tremendous strain and relief of what it must have been like to live with for the past several months. He led the Braves to another pennant, but this time they lost a seven-game World Series to the Yankees. [39] Aaron hit his first major league home run on April 23, also off Raschi. [11] On September 23, 1957, in Milwaukee, Aaron hit a two-run walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals, clinching the pennant for the Braves. [18] Aaron was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. "[23] On March 13, 1954, Milwaukee Braves left fielder Bobby Thomson fractured his ankle while sliding into second base during a spring training game. In 1988, Aaron was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. 02-05-1934 | Aaron is born on a Monday in Mobile, Alabama. Hank Aaron's Accomplishments. On the Dodgers broadcast for Aarons 715th home run, Vin Scully took note of the momentous occasion both for baseball and society. That same year, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league. Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record eleven years ago [146][147], The Elite Development Invitational, a youth baseball tournament organized by the Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association to increase diversity in the sport, was renamed the Hank Aaron Invitational for the 2019 season. There's a new home run champion of all time, and it's Henry Aaron! I always felt like once I put the uniform on and once I got on the playing field, that I could separate the two an evil letter I got the day before or even 20 minutes before that I could also concentrate on what I had to do as far as trying to watch a fastball, somebody throwing the ball 90 mph, rather than worrying about a letter somebody sent., The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, On this day in history, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner among first members of National Baseball Hall of Fame, The fabled list of Yankees captains Aaron Judge joined, All of Aaron Judges home runs this season, Judges 60th blast sparks comeback as he ties Babe Ruth, now one shy of Roger Maris. 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. There's a drive into left-center field. MLB Home Run Records in a Single Season | Baseball Almanac What Happened to the 2 Fans From Hank Aaron's 715th Home Run? [41], At this point, Aaron was known to family and friends primarily as "Henry". [d] On July 31, 1969, Aaron hit his 537th home run, passing Mickey Mantle's total; this moved Aaron into third place on the career home run list, after Willie Mays and Babe Ruth. Postal Service for receiving more mail (930,000 pieces) than any person excluding politicians. He hit 24 or more home runs every year from 1955 through 1973 and is one of only two players to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times.[1]. 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. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Hank Aaron Timeline. They also painted 44 in the midfield at Truist Park. [60], He was the recipient of death threats and a large assortment of hate mail during the 19731974 offseason from people who did not want to see Aaron break Ruth's nearly sacrosanct home run record. Meanwhile, Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully addressed the racial tensionor apparent lack thereofin his call of the home run: What a marvelous moment for baseball; what a marvelous moment for Atlanta and the state of Georgia; what a marvelous moment for the country and the world. 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. 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. In 1974, after tying Ruth on Opening Day in Cincinnati, Ohio, Aaron came home with his team. Is Hank Aaron the True Home Run King? - The Sports Bank [133], On January 8, 2001, Aaron was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton. The 20 home runs Aaron hit in 1974 were the third-most ever by a player 40 or older. [139], He was named a 2010 Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society, in conjunction with the Governor of Georgia, to recognize accomplishments and community service that reflect the ideals of the founding body of Trustees, which governed the Georgia colony from 1732 to 1752. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. Aaron begins 1974 season by tying The Babe - Home | Baseball Hall of Fame "[31] Aaron's time with the Braves did not come without problems. 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]. Serving from 1979 to 1990, Thatcher was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century. It was the only time in his career that he hit three home runs in a game. [78], Aaron hit his 755th and final home run on July 20, 1976, at Milwaukee County Stadium off Dick Drago of the California Angels, which stood as the MLB career home run record for 31 years until it was broken in 2007 by Barry Bonds. He later cited his anti-abortion and anti-homosexual views as motivation for the bombings. As a result, in 1949, at the age of 15, Aaron had his first tryout with an MLB franchise, the Brooklyn Dodgers; however, he did not make the team. During his rookie year, his other well-known nicknames, "Hammerin' Hank" (by teammates) and "Bad Henry" (by opposing pitchers) are reported to have arisen. Hoping to lift the country out of the crippling Great Depression, Congress allowed the president to use the funds at his discretion. An advocate of nonviolence and conservatism, he pleaded innocent in the highly read more, On April 8, Buddhists celebrate the commemoration of the birth of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, thought to have lived in India from 563 B.C. "[95] Sablica said in an interview that he wouldn't have blamed Aaron if he stopped practicing, and Aaron indeed attended Friendship Baptist Church toward the end of his lifenoting in his autobiography that he didn't remain Catholic for very long after converting. 2 all-time, died January 22. He was named to the NL All-Star roster for the first time; it was the first of a record 21 All-Star selections and first of a record 25 All-Star Game appearances. Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth but went on to break the career home run record in the pre-steroids era, died early Friday. His closest competition is Hank Aaron who "only" hit home runs in every possible ballpark during nine seasons! Aaron got his start playing for. Hank Aaron reunites with two fans who ran onto field following - ESPN He finished the 1973 season with 713 home runs -. At the end of the 1969 season, Aaron again finished third in the MVP voting. Henry Aaron is coming around third. On April 15, Aaron collected his first major league hit, a double off Cardinals' pitcher Vic Raschi. April 8, 1974: Hank Aaron hammers historic 715th home run to break Babe Even if the five Negro League home runs do get added eventually, Aaron would still be two short of Barry Bonds's 762 homers. The moment is still frozen in time: Hank Aaron rounding the bases after hitting his record 715th home run when, suddenly, two young fans ran up from behind to pat him on the shoulder. On December 15, 1957, his wife Barbara gave birth to twins. On July 13, Aaron hit a home run in the All-Star Game (played at Detroit's Tiger Stadium) for the first time. ", "Sporting News' 100 Greatest Baseball Players", "Aaron to throw out first pitch at All-Star Game", "President Bush Announces the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom", "About Carson Park: Eau Claire, Wisconsin", "Aaron receives honorary degree from Princeton", "Portrait of Nation Prize Winner: Hank Aaron", "National Portrait Gallery Honors Aretha Franklin, Carolina Herrera, Hank Aaron", "Hank Aaron presented with Order of the Rising Sun", "Hank Aaron throws out 1st pitch at SunTrust Park", "MLB renames developmental program after Hank Aaron", "Georgia Tech football to retire Hank Aaron's number 44 for 2021 season", "Hank Aaron replaces Confederate general in school name", "National Recording Registry Inducts Music from Alicia Keys, Ricky Martin, Journey and More in 2022", "Sports stars of Alabama: Where are they now? [75] He was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers for Dave May thirty-one days later on November 2. [148], Atlanta-area sports teams planned to honor Aaron during the 2021 seasons. Statistic Description: Home Runs Hit/Allowed. 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. 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. [2] Aaron is also third all-time for career hits (3,771) and fifth in runs scored (2,174). "[143][144], In January 2016, Aaron received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from Akihito, the Emperor of Japan. [c] In that season, Aaron became the third player to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season, and the first player to record 40 home runs and 30 steals in a season. [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. 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. 755", "Bonds Hits No. Hank Greenberg, 1938 Tigers: 58; Jimmie Foxx, 1932 Athletics: 58; . He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002. [70], On October 2, 1974, Aaron hit his 733rd home run in his last at-bat as a Braves player. Hank Aaron Home Runs By Season | StatMuse Hank Aaron went yard 13 times in his rookie season in 1954. CBS 46 and FOX 5 Atlanta were among those that first reported Aaron's death Friday. Aaron Judge sets AL home run record: Yankees slugger hits No. 62 to top Getty Images Aaron reportedly received 930,000 pieces of mail in 1973 the year before he broke Ruth's record with enough including threats that the. Hank Aaron hits home run No. Aaron has the second most home runs ever? By 1969, his chances of breaking the Babe's record were in sight. While preparing the massive coverage of the home run record, he quietly had an obituary written, afraid that Aaron might be murdered.[62]. A few weeks later, his three home runs in the World Series helped his team triumph over the heavily favored New York Yankees. [76] Minor league right-handed pitcher Roger Alexander was sent to the Braves to complete the transaction at the Winter Meetings one month later on December 2. Aaron's record was . [65] As the 1974 season began, Aaron's pursuit of the record caused a small controversy. After the game, Aaron said his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. [11] Helped by Aaron's performance, the Braves won the league championship that year. The Arthur Blank-owned Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, along with Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets have plans during their 2021 seasons to reserve 44 for Aaron. Im proud of the home run record, but I dont talk about it because it brings back too many unpleasant memories.. [138] Statues of Aaron stand outside the front entrance of both Turner Field and American Family Field. Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record eleven years ago By Jordan Shusterman August 7, 2018 On August 7, 2007, Barry Bonds punctuated his gradual, if inevitable climb to the top of the all-time home run list with an iconic blast to center field at AT&T Park for career home run No. The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season. Baseball's 'Hammerin' Hank' Aaron, who held career home run record [152][153], MLB held two All-Star Games from 1959 through 1962. This All-Star Game, like the first one he played in 1955, was before a home crowd at Milwaukee County Stadium. Whats that you say? During the strike-shortened season of 1972, Aaron tied and then surpassed Willie Mays for second place on the career home run list. At age 37, he hit a career-high 47 home runs during the season (along with a career-high .669 slugging percentage) and finished third in MVP voting for the sixth time. While he was born in a section of Mobile referred to as "Down the Bay", he spent most of his youth in Toulminville. 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. Aaron holds the MLB records for the most career runs batted in (RBIs) (2,297), extra base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856). [119], Aaron was awarded the Spingarn Medal in 1976, from the NAACP. He was named a 2010 Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society in recognition of accomplishments that reflect the ideals of Georgia's founders. 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. . It is a great accomplishment that required skill, longevity, and determination. But the Braves offered fifty dollars a month more. Hank Aaron's anguish leading up to record home run No. 715 - Los On April 8, he banged out his record 715th home run off Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers.. And listen to this crowd![69]. It is expected the Gwinnett County professional teams, the AAA Gwinnett Stripers (2021 season) and AA Atlanta Gladiators (202122 season), will also be involved in temporarily retiring Aaron's 44. [36], In 1954, Aaron attended spring training with the major league club. Longtime MLB home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86 - ESPN.com With 755 career home runs, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record by more than 40 home runs. [137], Aaron dedicated the new exhibit "Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream" at the Baseball Hall of Fame on April 25, 2009. Aaron's achievements didn't end when his career did, though. [122] The award is given annually to the baseball hitters voted the most effective in each respective league. [31] On January 21, 2007, Major League Baseball announced the sale of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves returned to Atlanta, and on April 8, 1974, a crowd of 53,775 people showed up for the gamea Braves attendance record. The total base record is remarkable in context: at the time of his retirement, he had travelled over 12 miles farther on the base paths than any other player in MLB history. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. A seven-time NL MVP, the 43-year-old Bonds hit his 22nd home run of the year. Lucy says in the August 11 strip, "Hank Aaron is a great player but you! He keeps that mail as a reminder. ", "There was a big catch holding on to No. [29], The Braves assigned Aaron to the Eau Claire Bears, the Braves' Northern League Class-C farm team. [38] In the same game, Eddie Mathews hit two home runs, the first of a record 863 home runs the pair would hit as teammates. Aaron suffered from arthritis and had a partial hip replacement after a fall in 2014. MLB, give him back his home run record. Hank Aaron. [19], On November 20, 1951, baseball scout Ed Scott signed Aaron to a contract on behalf of the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League, where he played for three months.[21]. Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, the Baseball Hall of Famer who broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record in the face of racism and went on to become a revered ambassador to the game, has died. Aaron, known as hard working and quiet, was the last Negro league player to also compete in the Major Leagues. The attack would result in the breaking of German defensive lines in just four days, eventually sending read more, North Vietnamese 2nd Division troops drive out of Laos and Cambodia to open a third front of their offensive in the Central Highlands, attacking at Kontum and Pleiku in an attempt to cut South Vietnam in two. While he considered retirement, he said that he was willing to return to baseball for another year. [120] In 1977, Aaron received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award. Newspaper cartoonist Charles Schulz created a series of Peanuts strips printed in August 1973 in which Snoopy attempts to break the Ruth record, only to be besieged with hate mail. Former Braves minor league player and sportswriter Pat Jordan said, "Aaron gave [Geraghty] much of the credit for his own swift rise to stardom. Playing in the infield, Aaron continued to develop as a ballplayer and made the Northern League's All-Star team. What Hank Aaron Told Me - The Atlantic