A Birthday Tribute to “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron

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A Birthday Tribute to “Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron

What better way to kick off our February month-long tribute to the Negro Leagues than with a birthday salute to the great Hank Aaron! Hank was born 83 years ago yesterday, and just happens to be the last major leaguer to have played in the Negro Leagues. So let’s spent a few minutes remembering the wonderful career of the great Hall-of-Famer, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron!

Hank Aaron played 21 seasons for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and two seasons for the Milwaukee Brewers from 1954 through 1976. Aaron appeared briefly in the Negro American League before starting his major league career. By his final season in the major leagues, Aaron was the last Negro league baseball player on a major league roster.

Over his career Hank hit .305 with 3771 hits, 2174 runs, 755 home runs, 2297 RBI (major league record), .374 on-base percentage, and .555 slugging average. Just a few of his many career highlights include: 25 All-star team selections (every year between 1955-1975); tied with Willie Mays and Stan Musial for the most All-Star Games played (24); one World Series championship (1957); National League MVP award (1957); three-time Gold Glove award (1958-1960); two-time National League batting champion (1956, 1959); four-time National League home run champion (1957, 1963, 1966, 1967); four-time National League RBI champion (1957, 1960, 1963, 1966); major league record holder for total bases (6856) and extra base hits (1477).

Aaron held the major league record for career home runs for 33 years with 715, breaking the record set by Babe Ruth, until his record was eclipsed by Barry Bonds during the tainted steroid era. He hit 24 or more home runs every year from 1955 through 1973, and is the only player to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times.

Gary Livacari

Photo Credits: All from Google search

Information: Excerpts edited from the Hank Aaron Wikipedia page.