Hank Aaron, one of baseball’s greatest players, passed away at the age of 86. He was not only famous for his incredible skills on the field but also played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement. He lived through tough times in America, especially for African Americans. His journey is one of hard work, determination, and resilience.
Early Life
Hank Aaron was born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a large family with seven siblings, including his brother Tommie, who also played Major League Baseball. Together, Hank and Tommie Aaron set the record for the most career home runs by a pair of siblings. They hit 768 home runs combined.
When Hank was just 15 years old, he had his first tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Even though he didn’t make the team, he didn’t give up. He finished high school and continued to work on his game.
Minor League Beginnings
After high school, Hank played for local teams like the Pritchett Athletics and the Mobile Black Bears. His wage was just $3 per game. In 1951, Hank signed a contract with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League. His talent quickly caught the attention of Major League scouts, and he received offers from both the New York Giants and the Boston Braves. He chose the Braves because they offered $50 more a month, and this decision set him on a path to greatness.
Hank Aaron Joins the Braves
Hank joined the Braves’ minor league team, the Eau Claire Bears, in 1952. He worked hard and impressed everyone, earning the Rookie of the Year award that season. In 1953, he was promoted to the Jacksonville Braves, where he led the team to win the league championship. However, playing in the South during the 1950s wasn’t easy. The country was still racially divided, and Hank often faced segregation, staying in different hotels than his white teammates and enduring racist treatment at restaurants.
Making it to the Majors
Hank Aaron made his Major League debut with the Braves in 1954. At first, he wore the number 5, but later he switched to 44, which became a lucky number for him. In fact, he hit 44 home runs in four different seasons and even wore the number when he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.
In his first season, Hank hit 13 home runs and had a .280 batting average before injuring his ankle. But he bounced back and in 1955, Hank made his first All-Star team. He would go on to become a record-breaking 21-time All-Star during his career.
Segregation and Challenges
Playing baseball during the 1950s and 1960s wasn’t just about the game for Hank;. It was also about navigating a world of racial prejudice. Hank couldn’t stay in the same hotels or eat at the same restaurants as his white teammates due to segregation laws. But he never let this slow him down. He was determined to succeed and used the challenges he faced as fuel to become one of the best players the game had ever seen.
Hank Aaron’s Record-Breaking Career
Hank’s best years were ahead of him. In 1957, he won the National League MVP award and helped lead the Braves to a World Series win against the New York Yankees. That same year, Hank hit a famous walk-off home run to win the pennant, and his teammates carried him off the field in celebration.
Throughout the 1960s, Hank kept adding to his legacy. In 1963, he became one of only a few players to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season. He reached several other milestones, including hitting his 500th career home run in 1968 and collecting his 3,000th hit in 1970.
Hank Aaron Chases Babe Ruth
In the early 1970s, Hank started closing in on Babe Ruth’s record of 714 career home runs. By 1973, Hank was just one home run away from tying the record. As exciting as this was for baseball fans, it was also a scary time for Hank. He received many racist letters and even death threats from people who didn’t want to see him break Ruth’s record. However, Hank stayed focused on his goal and let his talent do the talking.
Breaking the Record
On April 8, 1974, in front of a packed stadium in Atlanta, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Hank’s achievement became one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Even legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully recognized the significance of this moment. He said it was a special day not just for baseball, but for America, as people in the Deep South were giving a Black man a standing ovation.
Final Years in Baseball
Hank continued to play for a few more seasons. In 1975, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, where he broke Babe Ruth’s all-time RBI record. Hank hit his final, 755th home run in 1976, a record that stood for decades.
The Hank Aaron Legacy
Hank Aaron’s impact went far beyond his home run records. He was a hero both on and off the field. Hank was using his platform to speak out against racial injustice and support civil rights causes. After his playing career, Hank stayed involved in baseball and worked to improve opportunities for African Americans in the sport.
Hank Aaron passed away in 2021, but his legacy as one of baseball’s greatest players and a civil rights champion will never be forgotten. He faced adversity with grace and strength, becoming a symbol of perseverance and excellence. Hank Aaron will always be remembered as a legend in the world of baseball.
