Baseball lost an absolute titan on Friday with the death of Hank Aaron.
The king of the home run died at the age of 86, leaving behind one of the sport’s greatest legacies. Aaron was not only a baseball player, but a flag bearer and a humanitarian who went beyond the game.
pic.twitter.com/4hOMsSGnRi
– Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
We are devastated by the passing of Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and personalities in the history of our sport. He turned 86. pic.twitter.com/bCvLOydGBZ
– MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2021
A number of former players expressed their condolences to Aaron’s family on Twitter and shared personal memories, including legendary strikers David Ortiz and Frank Thomas.
A legend on and off the field…best of all…. RIP Mr. Hank Aaron #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
– David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021
I don’t know what to say! RIP to the greatest Mr. Hank Aaron! !! I’m just numb. Hank was my measure of greatness. The one person who acted like a child around the star always knocked! He was the definition of class! May God bless you and your family! #HRKing#HammeringHank
– Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021
Aaron’s greatness on and off the field also resonates with Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who praised Aaron for helping him transition into the business world.
Rest in peace to American hero, icon and Hall of Famer icon Hank Aaron. I can still remember where I was on the day he set the record to become the all-time home run leader. Hank Aaron was not only a legendary athlete, but also a prominent businessman….
– Erwin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
and paved the way for other athletes like me to get into the business.
Hank Aaron on Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest in peace, my friend. Cookie and I are praying for the whole Aaron family.
– Erwin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
Many journalists told personal stories about meeting Aaron and highlighted Hank Aaron’s wonderful charisma.
It’s the only time I’ve ever been in the same room with Hank Aaron. I was so surprised and speechless that I was amazed that I could take the picture. A true American hero. RIP in, and thank you pic.twitter.com/AtS4wYHGrT
– David Aldridge (@davidridgedc) January 22, 2021
Henry Aaron was a true American hero. Growing up in the South, Jim Crow ignored hate by winning baseball and living a life of luxury. He was a model of grace and class. When he entered the room, everyone froze and marveled. We all knew we were under kings.
– Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 22, 2021
Indeed, Aaron’s baseball career is marked by longevity, excellence, and perseverance.
The legend of the Milwaukee-Atlanta Braves was a member of the All-Star team every season between 1955 and 1975. He has topped the RBI baseball list four times and has also hit 40 or more home runs eight times in that time. Aaron is still the all-time leader in RBIs and total bases, the records are unlikely to be broken anytime soon, if ever.
But it was the continuation of Aaron’s album Home that ultimately represented the final phase of his career. He received death threats and was constantly in the spotlight as a black man trying to get past Babe Ruth’s 714 home runs. Still, he persevered and broke the record on the 8th. April 1974 in one of the most memorable moments in MLB history.
The Major League Baseball Hank Aaron Award is one of the highest honors a player can receive, and his legacy as an athlete and true character will live on forever.
