Hank Aaron

Hammerin' Hank: Home run king and Braves legend

Henry Louis Aaron (February 5, 1934 – January 22, 2021), nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. Considered one of the greatest baseball players in history, he spent 21 seasons with the Milwaukee / Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL) and two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League (AL).

Quick Facts

Position: Right fielder
Bats: Right
Born: 5 February 1934
Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Died: 22 January 2021
Place of death: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: April 13

Lore & Background

Aaron was born and raised in and around Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children. He appeared briefly in the Negro American League and in minor league baseball before starting his major league career. During his time in Major League Baseball, and especially during his run for the home run record, Aaron and his family endured extensive racist threats. His experiences fueled his activism during the civil rights movement.

Reader's Guide

Aaron holds the MLB records for the most career runs batted in (RBIs) (2,297), extra base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856). He is also third all-time for career hits (3,771) and fifth in runs scored (2,174). Aaron is one of only five players to have at least 17 seasons with 150 or more hits, and holds the record with Alex Rodriguez for the most seasons with 30 or more home runs (15). He was an NL All-Star for 20 seasons and an AL All-Star for one season, and he holds the record for the most All-Star selections (25), while sharing the record for most All-Star Games played (24) with Willie Mays and Stan Musial. Aaron was a three-time Gold Glove winner, and in 1957, he won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award when the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series.

Did You Know?

Aaron broke the long-standing MLB record for career home runs held by Babe Ruth and remained the career leader for 33 years, until Barry Bonds surpassed his total of 755 in 2007.
He hit 23 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 15 times.
Aaron was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1982 and Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
In 1999, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league.
He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hank Aaron?

Hank Aaron, widely known as 'Hammerin' Hank,' served as a legendary outfielder and first baseman for the franchise between 1954 and 1974. He is celebrated globally as one of the most dominant hitters in Major League Baseball history.

What major record did he achieve?

Most famously, he broke Babe Ruth's career home run record while playing in Atlanta, finishing with a total of 755 homers. This feat was accomplished under intense public scrutiny and racial hostility, highlighting his immense personal resilience.

How long did he play for the Braves?

Aaron played for the Braves during their transition from Milwaukee to Georgia, making him a constant presence across two major cities. His jersey number 44 is permanently retired by the club to honor his contributions over twenty seasons.

What individual awards did he earn?

During his time in the league, he was named an All-Star 25 times and captured the National League MVP title in 1957. These accolades paved the way for his eventual enshrinement into the Hall of Fame in 1982.