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RIP: Hank Aaron

PostPosted: Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:40 pm
by MM_Dandy
In 1952, while they were still based in Boston, the Braves signed Henry "Hank" Aaron from the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro League. He spent two years in the minor leagues, and made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954. He stayed with the team when they relocated to Atlanta in 1966, and then played the last two years of his career back in Milwaukee for the Brewers. Along the way, he accumulated 21 All-Star selections and 25 All-Star game appearances, .305 batting average, nearly 2,300 RBI, over 3,700 hits, and, of course, 755 home runs - a record that stood for 33 years. He also encountered threats to his life and racism in myriad forms, both within Major League Baseball and without. When Aaron closed in on Babe Ruth's home run record, even reporters covering Aaron and the Braves were getting death threats. One even started an obituary for Aaron in the off-season after Aaron had come to within one of the record. When Barry Bonds broke Aaron's home run record in 2007, Aaron had already announced that he would not be present when it happened. However, he did record a video congratulating Bonds, which was played on the jumbotron when Bonds surpassed Aaron.

Many sports heroes have their flaws, but whatever foibles Hank Aaron had, they were far outweighed and overshadowed by the good in his character. Rest in peace, Hammer.

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

PostPosted: Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:36 pm
by Heid the Ba
Indeed, well put.

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

PostPosted: Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:13 pm
by Arneb
Well put indeed.

And other people share your views about Hank Aaron, MM_Dandy.

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

PostPosted: Sat Jan 23, 2021 2:55 pm
by Мастер
I saw him play once.

He got a standing ovation from the crowd, even though he was playing for the “away” team.