By the end of the season, he had performed so well that the league made him the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year. 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. 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. 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. [105], Upon Aaron's death, the sports world expressed their condolences to him. He and his wife first became interested in the faith after the birth of their first child, whom they baptized immediately. 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. By 1969, his chances of breaking the Babe's record were in sight. [72] He had also said that he would be interested in serving as a team's general manager, someone who would make decisions and not a house boy. But two other men were enshrined in history with him - Clifford Courtenay and Britt Gaston. The Hall of Famer holds a host of records, from the most runs batted in (2,297), the most seasons as an all-star (21) to the most home runs ever (755) . [71] Aaron commented after the game that it was his last time as a player in Atlanta as his contract had expired. 762 (Bonds' final homer . He divorced Barbara in 1971 and married Billye Suber Williams on November 13, 1973. [55] As the year came to a close, Aaron broke Stan Musial's major-league record for total bases (6,134),[56] the record he was the most proud of since it reflected his overall performance as a hitter and team player. 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 naked body of the blonde homecoming queen was found washed up on the shore wrapped in plastic in the shows read more, On April 8, 1904, with war in Europe a decade away, Britain and France sign an agreement, later known as the Entente Cordiale, resolving long-standing colonial disputes in North Africa and establishing a diplomatic understanding between the two countries. [11] While on the Bears, Aaron earned $3 per game ($30 today), which was a dollar more than he got while on the Athletics. During the 1936 season, Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees terrorized the Cleveland Indians by slamming fourteen home runs against the club a Major League record for most home runs against the same team in a season. 44 for Pete Maravich. During the strike-shortened season of 1972, Aaron tied and then surpassed Willie Mays for second place on the career home run list. He didnt know what he was taking, he testified, and thought it was all natural. Im proud of the home run record, but I dont talk about it because it brings back too many unpleasant memories.. He is one of only four players to have at least 17 seasons with 150 or more hits. Serving from 1979 to 1990, Thatcher was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century. [102][103][104], His funeral was held on January 27, followed by his burial at South-View Cemetery. Of a time his team was in Washington, D.C. Aaron recalled: We had breakfast while we were waiting for the rain to stop, and I can still envision sitting with the Clowns in a restaurant behind Griffith Stadium and hearing them break all the plates in the kitchen after we finished eating. That ball is gonna be-eee Outta here! To many baseball fans, it won't matter, Hank Aaron is the home run . 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). 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. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. 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. [35] Two days later, one of the children died. [68] As the fans cheered wildly, Aaron's parents ran onto the field as well. 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. 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. 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. Aaron's autobiography, I Had a Hammer was published in 1990. Free shipping for many products! 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. In 1974, after tying Ruth on Opening Day in Cincinnati, Ohio, Aaron came home with his team. 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. On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his 715th home run, breaking Ruth's record and in doing so, received the undying support of the fans. By the time Aaron retired, he and his brother held the record for most career home runs by a pair of siblings (768). [10], Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, to Herbert Aaron Sr. and Estella (Pritchett) Aaron. During his rookie year, his other well-known nicknames, "Hammerin' Hank" (by teammates) and "Bad Henry" (by opposing pitchers) are reported to have arisen. There's a drive into left-center field. "And he'll hit almost anything, so you have to be careful. Aaron singled, doubled, and hit a home run in the game. [77] The trade re-united Aaron with former teammate Del Crandall, who was now managing the Brewers. READ MORE: When Hank Aaron Passed the Babe, Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruths all-time home run record, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/aaron-sets-new-home-run-record. On January 5, 2021, Aaron publicly received a COVID-19 vaccination with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine[99] at the Morehouse School of Medicine at Atlanta, Georgia. Coincidentally, Snoopy was only one home run short of tying the record (and finished the season as such when Charlie Brown got picked off during Snoopy's last at-bat), and as it turned out, Aaron finished the 1973 season one home run short of Ruth. Research is still ongoing and we'll continue to publish updates as more information becomes available. Sign up now to learn about This Day in History straight from your inbox. He was 86 That's the only thing that kept Willie Mays and me from being teammates fifty dollars.[24]. Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. He died on January 22, 2021, at age 86. [79][80] Over the course of his record-breaking 23-year career, Aaron had a batting average of .305 and 163 hits a season, while averaging just over 32 home runs and 99 RBIs a year. 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. It was the only inside-the-park home run of his career. [31], In December 1980, Aaron became senior vice president and assistant to the Braves' president. Postal Service for receiving more mail (930,000 pieces) than any person excluding politicians. [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. Aaron led the league in runs (115), hits (208), doubles (36), RBIs (125), total bases (338), and batting average (.362). They also painted 44 in the midfield at Truist Park. Aaron showed awesome skill when, unaided by pharmaceuticals, he broke Babe Ruths seemingly unbreakable record. Aaron . [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. [44], Sal Maglie recommended throwing low curveballs to Aaron. 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. 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. MLB, give him back his home run record. Aaron Judge broke the A.L. He signed a two-year contract with the Brewers for $240,000 per year. 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. Hank Aaron Timeline. 715 call", "Stuart Ranks Next to Foxx; Sox' 2nd Best Righty Slugger", "This Day in Black Sports History: February 5, 1934", "Hank Aaron explains how he is a fan of the Browns", "Hank Aaron Reunites with Valdosta Man who Followed him onto Field", "Ted Turner, Hank Aaron influenced each other as well as Georgia", "Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame Members by Year", Play-by-Play Audio of Aaron's 715th Home Run, Major League Baseball Player of the Month, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hank_Aaron&oldid=1141128927, October 3,1976,for theMilwaukee Brewers, Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 14:06. While preparing the massive coverage of the home run record, he quietly had an obituary written, afraid that Aaron might be murdered.[62]. [11] Aaron did his part by hitting .393 with three homers and seven RBIs. 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). [83] Aaron founded the Hank Aaron Rookie League program.[84]. On December 15, 1957, his wife Barbara gave birth to twins. 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. [35], Aaron spent the winter of 1953 playing in Puerto Rico. Listen to HISTORY This Week Podcast: More Than a Home Run. On May 17, Aaron collected his 3,000th hit, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, the team against which he played in his first major-league game. If successful, this would give North Vietnam control of the northern read more, President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorizes almost $5 million to implement work-relief programs on this day in 1935. 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. In 1988, Aaron was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. [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. [53], In 1970, Aaron reached two more career milestones. 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. ", "There was a big catch holding on to No. He went on to become one of baseballs first African American executives, with the Atlanta Braves, and a leading spokesperson for minority hiring. That same year, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league. [50] In 1968, Aaron was the first Atlanta Braves player to hit his 500th career home run, and in 1970, he was the first Atlanta Brave to reach 3,000 career hits. At the end of the season, Aaron, who had a prior relationship with Brewers owner Bud Selig, requested a trade to Milwaukee. He won the NL's Most Valuable Player award in 1957 and has a lifetime batting average of .305. Aaron was born and raised in and around Mobile, Alabama. Until then, Aaron had hit most pitches to left field or center field, but after working with Owen, Aaron was able to hit the ball more effectively all over the field. Hank Aaron, one of baseball's all-time great home run hitters, has died. [35] In 1958, Aaron's wife noted that during the off-season he liked "to sit and watch those shooting westerns". The Dodgers responded in the third by starting with three straight hits: Steve Garvey singled, Bill Russell doubled, and then Downing drove a single into center field, plating Garvey and sending Russell to third. Playing off the intense interest in their perceived rivalry, Aaron and Bonds made a television commercial that aired during Super Bowl XLI, shortly before the start of the 2007 baseball season, in which Aaron jokingly tried to persuade Bonds to retire before breaking the record. 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. Bonds broke Mark McGwire's single-season record by hitting 73 in 2001 and while he's no longer such a force,. After the game, Aaron said his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. With his second wife, he had one child, Ceci. He was named a 2010 Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society in recognition of accomplishments that reflect the ideals of Georgia's founders. [94], Sablica also encouraged him to "attend Mass every Sunday" during Spring Training, to which he responded with the racist realities of the day: "[In Bradenton], they won't let me go to Mass.