Hammerin Hank

Hank Aaron, was one of the greatest baseball players to ever step on the playing field no doubt. His recent passing a little over a week ago, leaves behind a memorable legacy that will last for many ages to come.

Born in Mobile, Alabama to a family of ten. Hank grew up in the Deep South experiencing the cruelty of Jim Crow laws. He didn’t let the despairing inequalities deter him from pursuing his dreams and achieving monumental greatness!

As a result of the unequally divided south, Hank’s high school did not have a baseball team. Although he grew up loving baseball, and no teams to play on, Aaron started hitting bottle caps with sticks, beginning his legacy. Having been a natural stud on the diamond, Hank played semi-pro ball until trying out for the Brooklyn Dodgers in at the age of 15. Although he didn’t make the team, he showed tremendous promise at an extremely high level at a very young age.

Returning to school to finish his education, Hank joined the Negro leagues by his junior year of high school. Modeling the path of his hero Jackie Robinson, Hank helped paved the way for Black Americans into the segregated major leagues. With his spectacular talent he quickly caught the eye of the major leagues, by 1952 his contract was bought out by the Milwaukee Braves. Working his way up through the minors he made his major league debut to his legendary career on April 13th, 1954.

Experiencing the hardships and racism coming up through his years in the major league, Hank had a mythical career regardless of the obstacles that stood in his way. Spending 23 years dominating the major leagues, Hank broke countless records, including those of Babe Ruth and Willie Mays to name of few.

Hank boasted a career of 25 All Star selections (record for most All Star appearances), 4x Home Run leader and RBI leader, MVP, 3 Golden Glove awards and a World Series Champion (1957) to name a few of the countless accolades in his collection. A Hall of Fame and All Century team inductee and current record holder of RBI’s, All Star appearances, and total bases. A tremendously remarkable career that will be inconceivably arduous to duplicate.

Retiring after the 1976 season as the last player from the Negro league still active. At the time of his retirement he added the All Time Home Run leader to his accolades finishing at 755. Breaking Babe Ruth’s 39 year reign in 1974, his All Time Home Run record would last for next 33 years. After retiring Hank Aaron became one of the 1st minorities in the MLB upper level management. Serving as Vice President and director of player development for the Braves. He continued to climb the organization’s ladder becoming Senior Vice President and assistant to the Brave’s President. Aaron later founded the Hank Aaron Rookie League Program as well as owning several businesses.

Great success for a strong Black figure and model to aspire to. Hank helped paved the way for us all back when it was deemed nearly impossible. Undoubtedly a legacy to aspire to. Hank leaves behind six children, grandchildren and a legendary legacy as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. His all around and diverse dominance could even unquestionably label him as the G.O.A.T. one could argue 🤔