The Hammer. Hammerin Hank. Better known as Hank Aaron passed away today at the age of 86. Born Henry Louis Aaron in Mobile, Alabama. He played 23 seasons in the MLB from 1954 through 1976. He spent 21 seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves in the National League and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League.
One of the greatest memories of Hank is breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record less than a week into the 1974 season. Putting his name in the record books with his 715th homer off Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Al Downing in the fourth inning as 50,000-plus fans celebrated in Atlanta! A racist and near post Jim Crow Atlanta
Hank Aaron was not only a baseball player. He was a social activist in sports as well. At a time where Black people weren’t allowed to do anything. He overachieved and kicked in doors for so many athletes today. He will be missed.
