RIP: Hank Aaron

Discussions of things currently in the news.

RIP: Hank Aaron

Postby MM_Dandy » Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:40 pm

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.
User avatar
MM_Dandy
Moderator
Moderator
King of Obscurity
 
Posts: 4927
Joined: Thu May 12, 2005 9:02 pm
Location: Canton, SD, USA

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

Postby Heid the Ba » Sat Jan 23, 2021 12:36 pm

Indeed, well put.
Get it up ye.
User avatar
Heid the Ba
Enlightened One
Enlightened One
Tree hugging, veggie, sandal wearing, pinko Euroweasel
Mr. Sexy Ass
 
Posts: 107529
Joined: Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:20 pm
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

Postby Arneb » Sat Jan 23, 2021 1:13 pm

Well put indeed.

And other people share your views about Hank Aaron, MM_Dandy.
Non sunt multiplicanda entia praeter necessitatem
User avatar
Arneb
Moderator
Moderator
German Medical Dude
God of All Things IT
 
Posts: 69999
Joined: Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:22 pm
Location: Potsdam, Germany

Re: RIP: Hank Aaron

Postby Мастер » Sat Jan 23, 2021 2:55 pm

I saw him play once.

He got a standing ovation from the crowd, even though he was playing for the “away” team.
They call me Mr Celsius!
User avatar
Мастер
Moderator
Moderator
Злой Мудак
Mauerspecht
 
Posts: 23929
Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2005 2:56 pm
Location: Far from Damascus


Return to Current Events and Politics

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests