Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, etched his name into sports immortality when he broke Babe Ruth’s record for career home runs.
Aaron smashed the record-breaking 715th home run on April 8, 1974, and he finished with 755 home runs when he retired in 1976.
A Career of Excellence
“Hammerin’ Hank” was selected for a record 25 All-Star Games over his career. He is now second all-time for home runs, behind Barry Bonds, and he remains the career leader for runs batted in (2,297). Moreover, he is also in the top five for hits (3,771) and runs (2,174).
Overcoming Adversity
Aaron was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, and he overcame poverty and racism on his way to becoming an iconic figure in baseball history. When he was chasing Ruth’s record, Aaron faced death threats and hate mail, and he was taunted daily at various ballparks. However, he persisted in the face of adversity. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali once said Aaron was “the only man I idolize more than myself.”
Legacy and Death
Aaron died in 2021 at the age of 86. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals in and out of the sporting world.
Aaron’s remarkable achievements not only shaped the history of baseball but also created a lasting impact on sports culture and society. Consequently, he remains an inspirational figure whose legacy endures.
