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Henry “Hank” Aaron passed away on Friday. He was 86 years old. Aaron, whose 23-year MLB career ranks among the best – if not the best – ever played, died in his Atlanta home.
He’s always been excellent during his MLB career, which spanned 21 seasons with the Milwaukee, then Atlanta, Braves and two seasons with the Brewers. The Hall of Famer in the first round won the 1957 NL MVP, leading the Braves to a World Series victory over defending champion Yankees. He was an All-Star selection 25 times – including 21 consecutive seasons – three-time Golden Glove winner and two-time batting title.
Aaron, who retired after the 1976 season, still holds MLB records for most career RBIs (2,297), extra hits (1,477) and total goals (6,856). He’s third all-time in career hits (3,771) and fourth in points (2,174). He’s also one of only four players to have at least 17 seasons of 150 hits or more.
MORE: This time, Hank Aaron duplicated his 715th homerun at 50
His biggest achievement on the field, however, is his 755 career home runs. He’s the only player with 20 seasons of 20 or more homers, and one of only two with 15 seasons of 30 or more homers. He won the all-time record with his 715th home run on April 8, 1974, just under 39 years after Babe Ruth set it at 714. And he did so amid waves of racism, of vitriol and hatred from those who made it across the country. I don’t want a black man to break it.
“What a wonderful time for baseball … What a wonderful time for the country and the world.”
RIP Hank Aaron, one of the greatest of all time.pic.twitter.com/kjrvSK19BM
– MLB Vault (@MLBVault) January 22, 2021
Aaron is not a legacy that can be contained in one or more articles – not for a man who has approached mythical status for generations of fans. This is evident by the waves of mourning and memories that flooded social media in the wake of the news of his death:
New York Yankees mourn the loss of baseball legend Hammerin ‘Hank Aaron. His impact on and off the pitch will never be forgotten. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/04tuETVAey
– New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and to all who were inspired by this unpretentious man and his imposing example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18
– Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021
Nancy and I extend our condolences to all of Hank’s family today. So saddened to hear the news of Hank’s passing. There was a certain spirit, even a reverence, in the presence of Hank Aaron that you could feel. Grace, strength, integrity. We were lucky to have known him. @Braves
– Dale Murphy (@ DaleMurphy3) January 22, 2021
RIP to a true gentleman @HenryLouisAaron it was an honor to spend time with Mr. Aaron while playing in the Braves organization. It’s bittersweet that the only autograph I have of Hank is my unconditional release from the team.
– Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) January 22, 2021
I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through while he was alive. He had every right to be angry or militant ….. but never was! He poured out his grace on everything and everyone with whom he came in contact. The epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank
– Chipper Jones (@ RealCJ10) January 22, 2021
Hank … my father and my grandfather were delighted with you. Thank you for changing the game of baseball … but most of all thank you for bringing America together for love in a time of such great hatred.
Heaven is a good place. #RIPHankAaron pic.twitter.com/D2m7fa4CXs
– Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 22, 2021
Rest in peace to American hero, icon and Hall of Fame member Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was when he set the record, at that time, to become the all-time leader. Legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman …
– Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
We have lost an American hero and a baseball icon today.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, fans and loved ones of the great Hammerin ‘Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/NTknE2NYVB
– Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 22, 2021
We have lost an American hero and a baseball icon today.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, fans and loved ones of the great Hammerin ‘Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/NTknE2NYVB
– Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) January 22, 2021
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is deeply saddened by the passing of sports legend and Alabama native Hank Aaron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/T9Tr8njh1A
– Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (@ASHOF) January 22, 2021
Inbox: Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered flags from half the staff in honor of Mobile-native Hank Aaron. Ivey: “From his legendary career to his civil rights activism, he has inspired many young boys and girls to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in all they do.”
– Brian Lyman (@lyman_brian) January 22, 2021
Super Sky Point to the great Hank Aaron, the man who conquered hatred and prejudice to do the unthinkable: hunt down Babe Ruth and his legendary mark of 714 career homers. Let’s relive that magical night in Atlanta once again. Thanks, Hammer. #TEAR pic.twitter.com/eGbIEjF4Yc
– Super 70s Sports (@ Super70sSports) January 22, 2021
I am speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time, Mr. Hank Aaron !! I am just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The only man I acted like a kid around the star was still banging! He was the definition of the class! God bless you and your family !! # HRKing # HammeringHank????
– Frank Thomas (@ TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron’s impact on the game was as powerful as his swing.
His contributions to sport were immeasurable.
Baseball has lost a titan. pic.twitter.com/jCjeGZFu6K
– Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 22, 2021
I called Ambassador Andrew Young to ask what I could do for him since he had done so much for the GT and GSU FB teams. He said, “Show up at Hank Aaron’s 75th birthday party!” It was one of the best nights of my life. For one of the great men of all time. God bless you, Hank. pic.twitter.com/HIJvY4NIrO
– Bill Curry (@coachbillcurry) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was a good man, and he was a great player. And he had to deal with the incredible fallout resulting from a black man who dared to break Babe Ruth’s sacred human resource record.
pic.twitter.com/Ti2WHaK7CM– Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 22, 2021
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