Hank Aaron

[gramps]

SAD TO REPORT.
One of the greatest baseball players of all time has died.
CBS46 in Atlanta reports:
——
Hall of Famer and one-time home run king Atlanta Braves legend Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron passed away this morning.
He leaves behind an indelible legacy on and off the baseball diamond.
It was the 1974 season that saw Aaron smash his way into the national consciousness.
On April 8, 1974 Hammerin’ Hank, as he was known, crushed a 1-0 pitch from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing over the left field wall at Fulton County Stadium and broke Babe Ruth’s long-time home run record of 714 home runs in a career.
But Aaron was more than just a baseball player. He fought through horrendous racism in the deep south throughout his career and even received death threats while he was making his historic pursuit of Ruth’s record.
All the while, he remained humble and continued to power through every hurdle that was in front of him.
——
That is how I will remember Aaron: A proud, decent man ... and an amazing athlete.
Many, of course, still consider Aaron to be the true home run champion.
He set the record well before the steroid era.
——
CBS46 reports:
“In Aaron’s bio from the Hall of Fame, a quote from the greatest boxer ever, Muhammad Ali accompanies it that reads Hank Aaron was, “The only man I idolize more than myself.”
A fitting tribute to towering man who left his mark on the baseball field, society, and the fabric of America.
Hank Aaron was 86.”

I remember bicycling past his house in Atlanta. RIP sir!
gramps

 

[WAYNO]

Time marches on, and this is sad. I still only picture him as a vibrant baseball player.

As a youngster in the Northwest, we knew nothing about racism. To know years later that he endured it, is sad. He was a great baseball player, and that's all we knew.

Hammerin' Hank, Rest in Peace.









.

 

[sfhogman]

What Wayno said, exactly.

Hank Aaron: now there was a man.

Jeff

 

[Bob Wright]

1974?!? 1974!

Has it really been that far back?

Bob Wright

 

[powder smoke]

Never was a baseball fan believe it or not! I have heard of him never recall seeing him play. RIP. Hank

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

When I was a kid, my three favorite baseball players were Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Hank Aaron. When the news flash popped up on the phone this morning my heart sank for a minute. This is a big loss for baseball, and maybe a bigger loss for America considering all the work he did after retiring from baseball. Thanks for being one of my idols, and may you rest in peace, Sir!

Rick C

 

[P89DC]

I was in Jr High and remember watching every Braves game with all of America until Hammering Hank hit the 715th. This was before the Left hijacked sports. So it was a moment of National unity and racial progress. When this stuff happens today the Left turns into a chance to scold the nation.

 

[Danjet500]

The true home run king. No steroid use by Hank. One of my favorites.

 

[Heliman]

RIP Mr. Aaron......

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

Interestingly 2 weeks ago he got the Covid shot. It's not thought that he had covid, but a big deal was made of it, because he wanted to be an example to other blacks to get the shot. There's no report as to specifically what he died from, but it's curious that he got the shot 2 weeks ago.
This is as Rush reported.

 

[don44]

RIP

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I've been a Braves fan since childhood, and Hammerin' Hank was a boyhood hero. I never noticed he was black.
RIP #44.

 

[Mike J]

I've never been much of a baseball fan but I do remember seeing it on T.V. when he broke the record. Growing up in the Atlanta area I believe that what made Hank Aaron great wasn't just how great of a hitter he was but what kind of man he was. I honestly don't recall having ever heard anyone say anything negative about the man.

 

[contender]

I, like others here,, never followed baseball much.
But I do remember when Hammerin Hank broke the record,,AND how many folks celebrated. Both black & white. I always heard good stuff about him.
And,, when steroid use became normal & abused,, it was often said that he never used them.
That alone speaks volumes.

RIP sir.

 

[gunhaus]

Thank you for starting this! A real sport hero. MY personal sport hero, Thank you, and god speed Mr Aaron.

 

[gunman42782]

Hammering Hank was the REAL deal, no steriods to make him the home run king! RIP Hank.

 

[wolfsong]

Mr. Aaron holds the record for holding the most records in bsseball...

 

[ronto]

I also never followed baseball but I sure knew who Hank Aaron was. R.I.P. Mr. Aaron.

 

[Toyman]

These is a quote from Curt Simmons a major league pitcher who faced Hank Aaron many time. Hank had very strong and quick wrist allowing him to hit fastballs. Curt Simmons said " GETTING A FASTBALL PAST HANK AARON WAS LIKE TRYING TO GET THE SUN PAST A ROOSTER". He never got the press when played since he was not in New York or LA. To bad he is getting the recognition he deserved in death and not in life.