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With yesterday being the one-year anniversary of Hank Aaron’s passing, we welcome today a guest essay from Scott Trick with an interesting account of the career of one of the greatest players ever. Those of us who saw him play will always remember him. –GL
Will There Ever Be Another Player Like Hammerin’ Hank?
“The pitcher has got only a ball. I’ve got a bat. So, the percentage in weapons is in my favor and I let the fellow with the ball do the fretting.” –Hank Aaron
While sitting on my porch under the calm sunlight during the initial days of January 2022, I couldn’t resist thinking about Hank Aaron. Last year on January 22, 2021, my favorite baseball legend passed away in his sleep. With his first death anniversary upon us, I can’t deny the raging thoughts in my head. Would there ever be another player like Hammerin’ Hank?
It’s not just because he hit 755 home runs in his career. Or broke the record of Babe Ruth after almost four decades. Hank Aaron is above these statistics. He was a fierce man on the field, smashing every ball coming his way. And of course, a great human.
Sometimes I do wonder, could there be any other baseball player who would carry a heart of gold? Someone extraordinary and brilliant like Hank Aaron?
The Legendary Hank Aaron
Many new baseball fans and enthusiasts are not completely aware of Hank Aaron. His success and true story motivate hundreds of baseballers every year. I believe this to be my motto: To create awareness and let the younger generation know about him.
The full name of Hank Aaron was Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron. On the field he was known as ‘Hank Aaron,’ however, he preferred to be called ‘Henry’ personally. He was given many nicknames, by his teammates as well as opposing teammates. “Hammerin’ Hank” and “Hammer” were names given by his teammates. While “Bad Henry” by his rivals. Of course, this makes sense!
Aaron played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball as a right fielder. For 21 seasons, Hank Aaron played for Milwaukee Braves. While the last two seasons for Milwaukee Brewers, from where he retired from play. Upon his retirement, Aaron joined Braves as their manager, managing the teams’ public relations and acquiring new talent.
Many youngsters know Hank Aaron as someone who broke the record of Babe Ruth. But there are other accolades and recognitions as well that made up Hank the Hammer he always has been.
Well yes, the record-breaking event was the highlight of his career. You cannot imagine the thrill, excitement, ecstasy the stadium held on April 8, 1974. The moment Hank Aaron smashed the ball and broke Babe Ruth’s 714 home run record, the crowd roared with amusement. What a historic moment it was! I still feel the chills and get goosebumps all over my body.
But here is a fact lesser-known! When Aaron was close to breaking the record of Babe Ruth, a white guy, he had to face issues. Being an African-American, Hank Aaron received several threatening messages and faced racist remarks. Many people were averse and opposed the idea of an African American breaking the record of an American legend. But here comes the power of Aaron! He remained calm and fiercely faced his opposing team, without getting depressed over the criticism. What a true legend!
The eminent baseball player had a record of 755 career home runs, which later was broken by Barry Bonds. However, it is a controversial stance which I will discuss later. Aaron drove in 2,297 career runs, had 6,856 total bases, and 1,477 extra-base hits.
From 1955 till 1968 Aaron played 2,157 matches out of 2,214 games. This makes an average of 4.1 missed games on his end. From 1969 and 1970, Hank Aaron played 147 games out of 150. Now let me share his other career highlights as well with you!
During the first year of eligibility, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. Became part of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988, got listed in “100 Greatest African Americans” as well. Received Gold Glove Award, Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and others. MLB in 1999 introduced “Hank Aaron Awards” to recognize top offensive players.
On August 01, 1966 Sports Illustrated magazine published an article called “Danger with A Double A.” As per the writer, Henry Aaron was getting older but continued to terrorize every pitcher he faced. He applauded Bad Henry by stating he keeps on swinging no matter what. Indeed, that was true! Nothing stopped Henry Aaron in his tracks.
Controversial Barry Bonds
You might be thinking why I am including someone else while talking about Hank Aaron? Well, Barry Bonds is the person who broke Aaron’s record of 755 career home runs. Why it’s controversial? Let me tell you!
In 2007, Barry Bonds broke Aaron’s record by hitting 756 home runs. However, since 2003 Bonds was facing trials for using performance-enhancing steroids. As per the allegations, Bonds used “The Clear” steroids from BALCO, undetectable in doping tests. In the start, Bonds kept on denying the facts. However, later he admitted to using steroids unknowingly given by his trainer in names of nutritional supplements.
Due to controversies arising before the Barry Bonds match where he was expected to break the record, Aaron avoided visiting the stadium. When the record was broken, Henry Aaron took the help of the media to congratulate the man. Instead of calling him a cheater and a liar, Aaron shared a recorded message. It said, “I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball’s career home run leader.”
During an interview with Today in 2020, Aaron kept on congratulating the man. When the interviewer said that he cheated, Aaron smiled and said, “We have so many cheaters that made it to the Hall of Fame.” He later admitted that even when the allegations are nearly confirmed, he still believed Barry Bonds is the home run king.
The simplicity and authenticity of Henry Hank Aaron are what make him a phenomenal human being. That’s why the world loves him and celebrates him every year. If you too agree with the narrative and desire to celebrate him, check out some really cool baseball cards of Hank Aaron.
Scott Trick
About Scott Trick:
“After collecting sports cards for most of my life I decided to start a blog so I could keep learning more and others can too. For me, sportscard collecting is more of an art. I love the beauty of each card. For more visit my website: sportscardsauthority.com”
References
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hank-Aaron
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/sports/baseball/hank-aaron-hall-of-fame.html
https://vault.si.com/vault/1966/08/01/henry-aaron-atlanta-braves-1966-season
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iNycrHUGiY
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