The Braves opened the season on the road in Cincinnati with a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds. I had nowhere to go except home and to the ballpark, home and to the ballpark. Lewis Grizzard, then-executive sports editor of The Atlanta Journal, reported receiving numerous phone calls calling journalists "nigger lovers" for covering Aaron's chase. [39] Aaron hit his first major league home run on April 23, also off Raschi. At the end of the season, Aaron, who had a prior relationship with Brewers owner Bud Selig, requested a trade to Milwaukee. [148], Atlanta-area sports teams planned to honor Aaron during the 2021 seasons. 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. After touching home plate he was carried off the field by his teammates. This one has been a long time in the making. The cars were later recovered.[98]. [30], In 1953, the Braves promoted him to the Jacksonville Braves, their Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. He was 86. [122] The award is given annually to the baseball hitters voted the most effective in each respective league. [136], In 2002, Aaron was honored with the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. [106][107] Fans paid tribute to Aaron by placing flowers in front of the home run wall where he hit his 715th home run at the former site of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and in front of his statue at Truist Park.[108]. [63], At the end of the 1973 season, Aaron received a plaque from the U.S. Hank Aaron's most notable achievement was breaking the career home run record set by Babe Ruth. However, as Aaron was an African American who had received death threats and racist hate mail during his pursuit of one of baseballs most distinguished records, the achievement was bittersweet. There is also a statue of him as an 18-year-old shortstop outside Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he played his first season in the Braves' minor league system. 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. on April 8th, 1974 he hit his 715th home run, which broke the then record of 714 held by Babe Ruth. I was a prisoner in my own apartment. [49], In 1963, Aaron nearly won the triple crown. In 1974, Hank Aaron surpassed that mark, and then held the milestone for 33 years. 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. [77] The trade re-united Aaron with former teammate Del Crandall, who was now managing the Brewers. At the time of his retirement, Aaron held most of the game's key career power-hitting records. [89], Despite being publicly and professionally known as "Hank," Aaron preferred to go by his given name, "Henry. Voters have kept Bonds out of the Baseball Hall of Fame over this scandal, but somehow he retains his home-run record. [129] Later that year, he ranked fifth on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players,[130] and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. [11] Although he appeared in just 87 games, he scored 89 runs, had 116 hits, nine home runs, and 61 RBIs. Eric Robert Rudolph was born read more. "[23] On March 13, 1954, Milwaukee Braves left fielder Bobby Thomson fractured his ankle while sliding into second base during a spring training game. 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. 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. He was 86. [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. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. Active in the civil rights movement, the priest encouraged Aaron to be more publicly vocal about causes he believed in. [35], Aaron spent the winter of 1953 playing in Puerto Rico. Years later, Aaron remembered: I had the Giants' contract in my hand. 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. 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. 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. Aaronhung up his cleats in 1976 with 755 career home runsa record that stood until 2007, when it was broken by controversial slugger Barry Bonds(Bonds admitted to using steroids in 2011). It is a great accomplishment that required skill, longevity, and determination. . In 1935, Babe Ruth hit his final and 714th home run, a record that would stand for 39 years. "On April 8, 1974, when Atlanta Braves' Henry 'Hank' Aaron hit his 715th home run to eclipse the record held by Babe Ruth, there was hardly any celebration. It should have been the most enjoyable time in my life, and instead it was hell. [18] This led Hank Aaron to a major league contract, signed on the final day of spring training, and a Braves uniform with the number five. He had 100+ RBIs in a season 15 times, including a record of 13 in a row. Aaron was known to frequently read Thomas Kempis' 15th-century book The Imitation of Christ, which he kept in his locker. Hank Aaron's Accomplishments. [11] His family could not afford baseball equipment, so he practiced by hitting bottle caps with sticks. After the game, Aaron said his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. Even as a kid, the irony of it hit me: here we were in the capital in the land of freedom and equality, and they had to destroy the plates that had touched the forks that had been in the mouths of black men. On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron homered for the 715th time in the majors, breaking Babe Ruth's all-time record as America reckoned with his astounding achievements as a player and a man. 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. [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. [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 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. While with the Clowns he experienced racism. [128] The award honors the best overall offensive performer in the American and National League. [102][103][104], His funeral was held on January 27, followed by his burial at South-View Cemetery. Four days earlier, in Cincinnati, he had homered in his first at-bat of the season to tie Ruth at 714. The high-profile incident drew worldwide attention to the problem of piracy, commonly believed to be a thing of read more, On April 8, 1990, 18-year-old Ryan White dies of pneumonia, due to having contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Although he was on the roster of its farm club, Milwaukee manager Charley Grimm later stated, "From the start, he did so well I knew we were going to have to carry him. It was the only inside-the-park home run of his career. [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. ATLANTA It's one of the most iconic sports photos of all time: Hammerin' Hank Aaron running the bases after hitting the record-breaking 715th home run at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. "And he'll hit almost anything, so you have to be careful. [138] Statues of Aaron stand outside the front entrance of both Turner Field and American Family Field. Hank Aaron & Barry Bonds Retirement (2002)", "Hank Aaron, Home Run King Who Defied Racism, Dies at 86", "Famous Religious Conversions Hank Aaron", "Baseball's home run king Hank Aaron fought racism on and off the field", "Hall of Famer Hank Aaron's death unrelated to Covid-19 vaccination", "Health experts urge confidence in vaccine after superstar's death", "Baseball legend Hank Aaron got virus vaccine earlier in January", "Hall of Famer Henry "Hank" Aaron dies at 86", "Hank Aaron, baseball legend and former home run king, dies at 86", "Private funeral service for Hank Aaron announced", "Tributes pour in honoring the legendary Hank Aaron", "Players, celebrities and fans react to the death of baseball legend Hank Aaron", "Gov. Listen to HISTORY This Week Podcast: More Than a Home Run. Although Hammerin Hank specialized in home runs, he was also an extremely dependable batter, and by the end of his career he held baseballs career record for most runs batted in: 2,297. During the strike-shortened season of 1972, Aaron tied and then surpassed Willie Mays for second place on the career home run list. "[90][91], Aaron was Catholic, having converted in 1959 with his family. 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. [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. 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. "[143][144], In January 2016, Aaron received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from Akihito, the Emperor of Japan. 0:00. [23] During this time, he picked up the nickname "pork chops" because it "was the only thing I knew to order off the menu". A young Craig Sager actually interviewed Aaron between third and home for a television station, WXLT (now WWSB-Channel 40) in Sarasota. Hank Greenberg, 1938 Tigers: 58; Jimmie Foxx, 1932 Athletics: 58; . [11] In addition, Aaron hit for a .336 batting average. [23] As a result of his standout play with the Indianapolis Clowns, Aaron received two offers from MLB teams via telegram, one from the New York Giants and the other from the Boston Braves. "[34], That same year, Aaron met his future wife, Barbara Lucas. Baseball legend Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth's career home run record, has died, the Atlanta Braves announced Friday. He keeps that mail as a reminder. Babe Ruth ended his career with 2,873 hits after 22 seasons. On April 27, 1971, Aaron hit his 600th career home run, the third major league player ever to do so. Baseball's all-time home run king, Hank Aaron did more than hit home runs. Aaron led the league in runs (115), hits (208), doubles (36), RBIs (125), total bases (338), and batting average (.362). During his time in Major League Baseball, and especially during his run for the home run record, Aaron and his family endured extensive racist threats. I kept feeling more and more strongly that I had to break the record not only for myself and for Jackie Robinson and for black people, but also to strike back at the vicious little people who wanted to keep me from doing it. Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record in 1974 despite enduring racism and went on to hit 755 homers in a 23-year career. Here's the pitch by Downing. 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. The night they met, Lucas decided to attend the Braves' game. [120] In 1977, Aaron received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award. 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. Aaron has the second most home runs ever? In 1957, with characteristically little fanfare, Aaron, who primarily played right field, was named the National Leagues Most Valuable Player as the Milwaukee Braves won the pennant. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. [70], On October 2, 1974, Aaron hit his 733rd home run in his last at-bat as a Braves player. He led the league with 44 home runs and 130 RBIs and finished third in batting average. Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. He finished the 1973 season with 713 home runs -. 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 . In 1955 Central High School and Dunbar Jr. High School switched locations; Central High closed in 1970 following desegregation. Hank Aaron was a tremendous ambassador for baseball, and we can think of one way baseball can honor him in death. [75] He was acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers for Dave May thirty-one days later on November 2. Number six-hundred forty-nine (649) was hit on June 10, 1972 and it is significant because it passed Willie Mays and made Hank Aaron the all-time home run leader in the National League. [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. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. Hank Aaron Home Runs By Season | StatMuse Hank Aaron went yard 13 times in his rookie season in 1954. [22] On August 1, 1982, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, having received votes on 97.8 percent of the ballots, second only to Ty Cobb, who had received votes on 98.2% of the ballot in the inaugural 1936 Hall of Fame election. 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. Aaron also drove in the 2,000th run of his career and hit a home run in the first All-Star game played in Atlanta.
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