# Hank Aaron

> American baseball player (1934–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q215777](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q215777)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Aaron)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hank-aaron

## Summary

Hank Aaron was an American professional baseball player who played from 1954 to 1976, widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Born Henry Louis Aaron on February 5, 1934, he is best known for breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record of 714, finishing his career with 755 home runs—a record that stood for 33 years. Beyond his athletic achievements, Aaron was a prominent figure in civil rights, using his platform to address racial inequality and inspire future generations of African American athletes. He passed away on January 22, 2021.

## Biography

- **Born**: February 5, 1934
- **Died**: January 22, 2021
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Full Name**: Henry Louis Aaron
- **Aliases**: Hank Aaron, Hammerin' Hank, Henry "Hank" L. Aaron, Henry Aaron, Hammer
- **Education**: Spelman College (honorary degree)
- **Known for**: Breaking Babe Ruth's home run record; 755 career home runs; civil rights advocacy
- **Employer(s)**: Indianapolis Clowns (Negro leagues), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers
- **Field(s)**: Professional Baseball
- **Career Start**: April 13, 1954
- **Career End**: October 3, 1976
- **Hall of Fame**: Inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (1982)

## Contributions

- **Home Run Record**: Broke Babe Ruth's legendary record of 714 career home runs on April 8, 1974, finishing with 755 home runs—a record that stood until 2007
- **Ruth–Aaron Pair**: The mathematical concept of "Ruth–Aaron pairs" (two consecutive integers for which the sums of the prime factors of each are equal) was named in honor of his record-breaking achievement
- **Hank Aaron Award**: Established in 1999, this annual baseball award recognizes the top hitter in each league of Major League Baseball
- **Civil Rights Advocacy**: Used his prominence to address racial inequality and support civil rights causes throughout his career and retirement
- **Post-Baseball Work**: Continued public service and advocacy work, including involvement with the NAACP and various charitable organizations

## FAQs

**What teams did Hank Aaron play for during his MLB career?**
Hank Aaron played the majority of his career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1954–1974) and finished with the Milwaukee Brewers (1974–1976). He began his professional career with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro leagues before being signed by the Braves organization.

**What awards and honors did Hank Aaron receive?**
Hank Aaron received numerous prestigious awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2010), the Presidential Citizens Medal (1977), the Spingarn Medal (1970), the Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award (1957), the Rawlings Gold Glove Award (1958, 1959, 1960), and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1982. He was also named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

**Why is Hank Aaron historically significant beyond baseball?**
Hank Aaron's significance extends far beyond his athletic achievements. As an African American player breaking Babe Ruth's home run record during the civil rights era, he faced tremendous racial hostility and death threats. His dignity and perseverance in the face of adversity made him a symbol of progress and hope, and he used his platform to advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout his life.

**What is the Ruth–Aaron pair?**
A Ruth–Aaron pair is two consecutive integers for which the sums of the prime factors of each are equal. This mathematical concept was named after Hank Aaron in honor of his achievement of breaking Babe Ruth's home run record, with 714 and 715 being the first such pair.

**What records did Hank Aaron hold?**
Hank Aaron held the record for most career home runs (755) for 33 years until it was broken by Barry Bonds in 2007. He also held records for RBIs (2,174), extra-base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856) at the time of his retirement.

## Why They Matter

Hank Aaron matters as one of the most consequential figures in American sports history, both for his extraordinary athletic achievements and his profound impact on American society. His breaking of Babe Ruth's home run record represented a pivotal moment in baseball and American culture, symbolizing the breaking of barriers for African American athletes. The achievement came at a significant personal cost—Aaron received thousands of letters, many containing threats and hate mail—but he handled the scrutiny with grace and dignity, becoming an icon for civil rights.

His career statistics place him among the elite hitters in baseball history, but his legacy extends beyond numbers. Aaron's willingness to speak out on social issues, his charitable work, and his mentorship of younger players made him a respected figure both within and outside the baseball community. The Hank Aaron Award, established in his honor, continues to recognize excellence in hitting, ensuring his name remains part of baseball's annual recognition of excellence.

Without Hank Aaron, the trajectory of baseball's home run record would have been different, but more importantly, the symbol of an African American athlete achieving the sport's most celebrated record would have been delayed. His example paved the way for future generations of Black athletes to achieve greatness while addressing social injustice.

## Notable For

- **Home Run Record Holder**: Held the all-time home run record (755) for 33 years (1974–2007)
- **MVP Award**: Won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1957
- **Gold Glove Awards**: Won three consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards (1958–1960)
- **All-Century Team**: Named to Major League Baseball All-Century Team
- **Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1982 (first ballot)
- **Presidential Honors**: Received both the Presidential Citizens Medal (1977) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2010)
- **Spingarn Medal**: Awarded the NAACP's highest honor in 1970
- **Library of Congress Living Legend**: Named a Living Legend for creative contributions to American life
- **Ruth–Aaron Pair**: Mathematical concept named in his honor
- **Hank Aaron Award**: Annual MLB award named after him since 1999
- **24-time All-Star**: Selected to 24 All-Star Games throughout his career
- **Hit Leader**: Recorded 3,771 hits, ranking third all-time upon retirement

## Body

### Early Life and Background

Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama. Growing up in the segregated South, Aaron developed his baseball skills in local sandlot games and soon became a standout player in amateur baseball. His talent was evident early, and he attracted the attention of scouts from professional teams while playing in the Negro leagues for the Indianapolis Clowns.

### Professional Career Beginnings

Aaron signed with the Milwaukee Braves organization in 1952, beginning his ascent through the minor leagues. He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 13, 1954, with the Milwaukee Braves. From his earliest days in the majors, Aaron demonstrated the combination of power and consistency that would define his career. He quickly established himself as one of the league's premier hitters, earning his first All-Star selection in 1955.

### MVP Season and Early Success

The 1957 season proved to be a breakthrough year for Aaron. He won the National League Most Valuable Player Award, hitting .322 with 44 home runs and 132 RBIs while leading the Braves to the National League pennant. That same year, he began his streak of three consecutive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards (1958–1960), demonstrating that his defensive abilities matched his offensive prowess.

### The Home Run Record Chase

By the early 1970s, Aaron was closing in on Babe Ruth's legendary record of 714 career home runs. The chase became a national phenomenon, drawing intense media attention. On April 8, 1974, Aaron broke Ruth's record with his 715th home run at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The moment was historic—not only did it mark the passing of baseball's most iconic record, but it also represented a significant milestone in the progress of African American athletes in professional sports.

The record-breaking home run came with significant personal cost. Aaron received enormous amounts of mail, including thousands of letters containing threats and racial epithets. Despite this hostility, he handled himself with dignity and grace, becoming a symbol of perseverance and achievement in the face of adversity.

### Later Career and Retirement

After the Braves traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1974, Aaron finished his career in Milwaukee. He played his final game on October 3, 1976, concluding a career that spanned 23 seasons. His final statistics were remarkable: 755 home runs, 3,771 hits, 2,174 RBIs, and a career batting average of .305.

### Post-Playing Career

Following his retirement from playing, Aaron remained active in baseball and public life. He worked in the Braves' front office and continued his advocacy work for civil rights and social justice. His contributions to the community included support for the NAACP and various charitable organizations. In 2010, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

### Legacy and Honors

Hank Aaron's legacy extends far beyond his statistics. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, receiving 97.8% of the vote—the highest percentage at that time. The Hank Aaron Award, established in 1999, honors the best hitter in each league annually. The mathematical concept of "Ruth–Aaron pairs" was named in his honor, recognizing the mathematical properties of the numbers 714 and 715.

He was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team, voted on by fans, cementing his place among the greatest players in baseball history. His career totals of 755 home runs, 2,174 RBIs, and 6,856 total bases represented records that stood for decades.

### Personal Life and Passing

Throughout his life, Aaron was known for his humility and commitment to giving back to his community. He received an honorary degree from Spelman College, a historically Black women's college, recognizing his contributions to American life. He passed away on January 22, 2021, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that transcended baseball and touched on the broader themes of American history, civil rights, and athletic excellence.

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21. [Longtime MLB home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86](https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30759123/long-home-run-king-hank-aaron-dies-86)
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