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Hank Aaron, the Hall of Famer slugger who starred with the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 86.
Just days after the MLB world mourned the loss of pitching icon Don Sutton, the game’s one-time home run king died on Friday morning in Atlanta.
The heartbreaking news, first reported by CBS 46, has since been confirmed by a close family member and a former Braves official.
Aaron got his start in baseball with the Indianapolis Clowns on the Negro League in 1951. Before long, he quickly caught the attention of MLB. After signing with the Braves, he spent the next few seasons in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 1954.
He posted a .280/.322/.447 slash line in his first MLB season, hitting 13 home runs with 27 doubles and a .769 OPS. After finishing fourth for Rookie of the Year, he would take a huge leap the following season and chart his course in the history books.
Aaron earned his first All-Star Game appearance in 1955, behind a season that saw him hit 27 home runs with 106 RBI and a .906 OPS. He would go on to appear in 25 All-Star Games, the standing record for the most in MLB history.
Over the course of his incredible career, Aaron proved to be one of the best players ever. He finished with 755 home runs, holding the crown as MLB’s home run king until Barry Bonds surpassed him in 2007.
Of course, one of the most iconic moments in baseball history is the day Aaron Broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his 715th home run and MLB fans witnessed a moment that will never be forgotten.
Aaron finished his career among the all-time greats in nearly every category. He ranks fourth in runs scored (2,174), third in career hits (3,771), second in home runs (755) and first in RBIs (2,297).
He was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, receiving 406-of-415 votes in his first year on the ballot.
As word spread of Hank Aaron passing away, the baseball world came together to reflect on his historic career and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
One of the best to ever play our game.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 22, 2021
MLB Network mourns the passing of Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/SJVCidT8w0
RIP Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron! Sad sad day. Thankful for your heroism! pic.twitter.com/oyfWfr0M80
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 22, 2021
A legend on and off the ball field… the best to ever do it… RIP Mr Hank Aaron #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021
More than a 25-time All-Star: a legend and pioneer.
— MLBPAA (@MLBPAA) January 22, 2021
We miss you, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/4Y1I8hRQpU
#RIP Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the best to ever play the game
— epchihuahuas (@epchihuahuas) January 22, 2021
pic.twitter.com/Wj02LCBaD7
He broke the color barrier in the South Atlantic League with the 1953 Jacksonville Braves and went on to lead the league in runs (115), hits (208), doubles (36), RBI (125), total bases (338) avg (.362) and was named the league MVP as the Braves won the SAL title.
— Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (@JaxShrimp) January 22, 2021
RIP Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/VIsO2sncJV
No alltime great could come close to Hank Aaron in terms of consistency. For 19 straight seasons, he slugged between .514 and .669 and hit between 24 and 47 home runs.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 22, 2021
RIP to Hank Aaron, a baseball legend.
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 22, 2021
He hit 45 home runs against the Mets in his career, smashing 3 in the 1969 NLCS.pic.twitter.com/2DHxtiKBFE
Bob Gibson and Sandy Koufax on Hank Aaron.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 22, 2021
pic.twitter.com/k8VqDC5zra
Hank Aaron. Legendary figure, and a hero to so many.
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 22, 2021
( @espn)
pic.twitter.com/VEC06le0zn
You've probably seen it countless times by now, but it's one of my favorite facts, so I'll say it again today:
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) January 22, 2021
If you take away Hank Aaron's 755 home runs, he still has over 3,000 career hits. pic.twitter.com/VjxnK6okJo
Muhammad Ali referred to Hank Aaron as, “the only man I idolize more than myself.”
— Grief Counseling is Back (@sheabooskyy) January 22, 2021
RIP 44 pic.twitter.com/TWlEFFSbJP
As a young baseball fan, there was no moment more burned into my brain than Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's record. I see it in my mind right now, down to the fans running onto the field.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) January 22, 2021
The biggest record in baseball. Aaron faced down awful racists. He rose above.
More must-reads:
- Hall of Famer, MLB icon Hank Aaron passes away at 86
- Who has the most home runs in a season for every MLB franchise?
- The '200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts' quiz
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