Coincidentally, Snoopy was only one home run short of tying the record (and finished the season as such when Charlie Brown got picked off during Snoopy's last at-bat), and as it turned out, Aaron finished the 1973 season one home run short of Ruth. He was 86 years old. Remembering the Day Hank Aaron Broke Babe Ruth's Home Run Record Aaron's achievements didn't end when his career did, though. Even as a kid, the irony of it hit me: here we were in the capital in the land of freedom and equality, and they had to destroy the plates that had touched the forks that had been in the mouths of black men. He added 22 more in 1975 and 1976, finally calling it a career with 755 career home runs. Hank has 3,771 hits and even at the end of 1973 season (his 20th season) he still had 3,509 hits before breaking Babe Ruth's home run record in 1974. The total base record is remarkable in context: at the time of his retirement, he had travelled over 12 miles farther on the base paths than any other player in MLB history. That record would stand until 2007 when Barry Bonds . [51], During his days in Atlanta, Aaron reached several milestones; he was only the eighth player ever to hit 500 career home runs, with his 500th coming against Mike McCormick of the San Francisco Giants on July 14, 1968exactly one year after former Milwaukee Braves teammate Eddie Mathews had hit his 500th. [61] The threats extended to those providing positive press coverage of Aaron. The Amazing Records Set By Hank Aaron - TheList On April 8, he banged out his record 715th home run off Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers.. MLB Home Run Records in a Single Season | Baseball Almanac The life and death of Hank Aaron (1934-2021) The Atlanta. READ MORE: When Hank Aaron Passed the Babe, Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruths all-time home run record, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/aaron-sets-new-home-run-record. On April 4, Opening Day, a 39-year-old Aaron sent the very first pitch he saw over the wall,. He hit his 40th home run of the season against the Giants' Jerry Johnson on August 10, which established a National League record for most seasons with 40 or more home runs (seven). Aaron was on the Board of Selectors of Jefferson Awards for Public Service. In a later interview with Atlanta sportscasting personality Chris Dimino, Aaron made it clear his reluctance to attend any celebration of a new home run record was based upon his personal conviction that baseball is not about breaking records, but simply playing to the best of one's potential. The game was also broadcast nationally on NBC. [116][117] After the Braves won the 2021 World Series, Aaron was honored in the design of the team's World Series championship ring, which includes 755 total diamonds to commemorate Aaron's career home runs, and 44 emerald-cut diamonds to represent Aaron's jersey number with the Braves. I always felt like once I put the uniform on and once I got on the playing field, that I could separate the two an evil letter I got the day before or even 20 minutes before that I could also concentrate on what I had to do as far as trying to watch a fastball, somebody throwing the ball 90 mph, rather than worrying about a letter somebody sent., The best insights from the ultimate insiders, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, On this day in history, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner among first members of National Baseball Hall of Fame, The fabled list of Yankees captains Aaron Judge joined, All of Aaron Judges home runs this season, Judges 60th blast sparks comeback as he ties Babe Ruth, now one shy of Roger Maris. During the 2006 season, San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds passed Babe Ruth and moved into second place on the all-time home run list, attracting growing media coverage as he drew closer to Aaron's record. Aaron suffered from arthritis and had a partial hip replacement after a fall in 2014. [98] In July 2013, media reported that his home was burglarized with jewelry and two BMW vehicles having been stolen. Hoping to lift the country out of the crippling Great Depression, Congress allowed the president to use the funds at his discretion. On December 15, 1957, his wife Barbara gave birth to twins. Lewis Grizzard, then-executive sports editor of The Atlanta Journal, reported receiving numerous phone calls calling journalists "nigger lovers" for covering Aaron's chase. [136], In 2002, Aaron was honored with the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. He led the Braves to another pennant, but this time they lost a seven-game World Series to the Yankees. Serving from 1979 to 1990, Thatcher was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century. He went on to become one of baseballs first African American executives, with the Atlanta Braves, and a leading spokesperson for minority hiring. The fireworks are going. Four days earlier, in Cincinnati, he had homered in his first at-bat of the season to tie Ruth at 714. In that announcement, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig also announced that Aaron would be playing a major role in the management of the Braves,[82] forming programs through major league baseball that will encourage the influx of minorities into baseball. Memories of a home run scene stealer - In America - CNN [33] The Braves' manager, Ben Geraghty, tried his best to help Aaron on and off the field. [4] By his final MLB season, Aaron was the last former Negro league baseball player on a major league roster. [71] Aaron commented after the game that it was his last time as a player in Atlanta as his contract had expired. Ochoa started at NASA in 1988 after receiving a doctorate in electrical engineering from Stanford read more, Eric Rudolph agrees to plead guilty to a series of bombings, including the fatal bombing at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, in order to avoid the death penalty. [86] After Bonds hit his record-breaking 756th home run on August 7, 2007, Aaron made a surprise appearance on the JumboTron video screen at AT&T Park in San Francisco to congratulate Bonds on his accomplishment: I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball's career home run leader. Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron (44) breaks Babe Ruth's record for career home runs as he hits his 715th off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing in the fourth inning of the game opener at Atlanta . This is wrong. "[143][144], In January 2016, Aaron received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from Akihito, the Emperor of Japan. [48] He batted .322, placing third, and led the league in home runs and runs batted in. MLB forced them to make him play and Aaron hit a home run in his first at bat in Cincinnati, but saved 715 for a few games later. The act was unprecedented and read more, On April 8, 1994, rock star Kurt Cobain was found dead in his home in Seattle, Washington, with fresh injection marks in both arms and a fatal wound to the head from the 20-gauge shotgun found between his knees. ATLANTA It's one of the most iconic sports photos of all time: Hammerin' Hank Aaron running the bases after hitting the record-breaking 715th home run at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. While the world knew him as Hammering Hank Aaron because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place. Hank Aaron Significant Home Runs. Hank Aaron and the Home Run Record - University Of Northern Iowa Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, the Baseball Hall of Famer who broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record in the face of racism and went on to become a revered ambassador to the game, has died. By 1969, his chances of breaking the Babe's record were in sight. He was one of the first African Americans to play in the league. [88] Aaron also owned Mini, Land Rover, Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda dealerships throughout Georgia, as part of the Hank Aaron Automotive Group. [35] In 1958, Aaron hit .326, with 30 home runs and 95 RBIs. [11] While on the Bears, Aaron earned $3 per game ($30 today), which was a dollar more than he got while on the Athletics. Hank Aaron dies: MLB Hall of Famer, former home run king dead at 86 Hank Aaron's home run record chase scarred by racism - New York Post [65] As the 1974 season began, Aaron's pursuit of the record caused a small controversy. 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). Aaron sold all but the Toyota dealership in McDonough in 2007. [35] In 1958, Aaron's wife noted that during the off-season he liked "to sit and watch those shooting westerns". Sure, Aaron led the National League (NL) four times, he also was a two-time batting champion and led the league in RBIs four times and runs scored three times. [38] In the same game, Eddie Mathews hit two home runs, the first of a record 863 home runs the pair would hit as teammates. However, as Aaron was an African American who had received death threats and racist hate mail during his pursuit of one of baseballs most distinguished records, the achievement was bittersweet. Instead of congratulations, Aaron received mounds of vile, racist and threatening hate mail which helped to ultimately make Aaron a bitter man. This All-Star Game, like the first one he played in 1955, was before a home crowd at Milwaukee County Stadium. Aaron begins 1974 season by tying The Babe - Home | Baseball Hall of Fame on April 8th, 1974 he hit his 715th home run, which broke the then record of 714 held by Babe Ruth. "[95] Sablica said in an interview that he wouldn't have blamed Aaron if he stopped practicing, and Aaron indeed attended Friendship Baptist Church toward the end of his lifenoting in his autobiography that he didn't remain Catholic for very long after converting. [100][101], Aaron died in his sleep in his Atlanta residence on January 22, 2021 at the age of 86. Former home run record-holder and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron is awarded an honorary doctorate of humanities during commencement for the class of 2011 at Princeton University, in Princeton . [63], At the end of the 1973 season, Aaron received a plaque from the U.S. [8] In 1999, The Sporting News ranked Aaron fifth on its list of the "100 Greatest Baseball Players". However, some observers looked back on Aaron's personal history, pointing out that he had downplayed his own breaking of Babe Ruth's all-time record and suggesting Aaron was simply treating Bonds in a similar fashion. It's 715! Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball's former home-run king and a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves franchise, died on Friday. [129] Later that year, he ranked fifth on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players,[130] and was elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Robinson, who also bats second, homers in his first at-bat in Cleveland's 5-3 win. Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols are closing in on major home run records Actor: MacGyver. Aaron was the first player to reach both Hall-worthy batting thresholds of 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Or will it be remembered as the season in which Aaron, the most dignified of athletes, was besieged with hate mail and trapped by the cobwebs and goblins that lurk in baseball's attic? [134] He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush in June 2002. [78], Aaron hit his 755th and final home run on July 20, 1976, at Milwaukee County Stadium off Dick Drago of the California Angels, which stood as the MLB career home run record for 31 years until it was broken in 2007 by Barry Bonds. [11] He won the league's Most Valuable Player Award,[11][18] and had such a dominant year that one sportswriter was prompted to say, "Henry Aaron led the league in everything except hotel accommodations. [44], Sal Maglie recommended throwing low curveballs to Aaron. Hank Aaron Dead: Baseball Legend Who Broke Babe Ruth's Home Run Record Hank Aaron, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, died Friday at age 86. Eric Robert Rudolph was born read more. But in his final game that year, playing against the Houston Astros (managed by Leo Durocher, who had once roomed with Babe Ruth), he was unable to achieve this. On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron homered for the 715th time in the majors, breaking Babe Ruth's all-time record as America reckoned with his astounding achievements as a player and a man. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. He was 86. Aaron Judge broke the A.L. ", "There was a big catch holding on to No. The Hall of Famer holds a host of records, from the most runs batted in (2,297), the most seasons as an all-star (21) to the most home runs ever (755) . In the fourth inning, Aaron hit home run number 715 off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing. Braves announcer Milo Hamilton, calling the game on WSB radio, described the scene as Aaron broke the record: Henry Aaron, in the second inning walked and scored. [54] Aaron established the record for most seasons with thirty or more home runs in the National League. He's sittin' on 714. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. Baseball legend Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth's career home run record, has died, the Atlanta Braves announced Friday. In 1957, Aaron won his only NL MVP Award,[11] as he had his first brush with the triple crown. [127], On February 5, 1999, at his 65th birthday celebration, Major League Baseball announced the introduction of the Hank Aaron Award. That same year, baseball fans named Aaron to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. [11] In addition, Aaron hit for a .336 batting average. He divorced Barbara in 1971 and married Billye Suber Williams on November 13, 1973. Hank Aaron, former MLB home run king, dead at 86 | Fox News The night Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record Number six-hundred forty-nine (649) was hit on June 10, 1972 and it is significant because it passed Willie Mays and made Hank Aaron the all-time home run leader in the National League. He started play as a 6ft (180cm), 180lb (82kg) shortstop,[22] and earned $200 per month. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1974 Hank Aaron Record Home Run #715 Framed Newspaper Print at the best online prices at eBay! [102][103][104], His funeral was held on January 27, followed by his burial at South-View Cemetery. [150], In 2022, a recording of the WSB broadcast of the April 8, 1974, BravesDodgers game in which Aaron hit his 715th home run was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. [23] As a result of his standout play with the Indianapolis Clowns, Aaron received two offers from MLB teams via telegram, one from the New York Giants and the other from the Boston Braves. [118], In 1982, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility. What a horrible sound. He could run, too: He retired with 240 career steals and was only the third player,. Hank Aaron's Accomplishments - 550 Words | Internet Public Library That same year, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league. And Aaron showed grace and humility when he congratulated Bonds for beating his mark, though it was clear to everyone that it was tainted. We've received your submission. While he was born in a section of Mobile referred to as "Down the Bay", he spent most of his youth in Toulminville. 4/4/74: On Opening Day, Hank Aaron hits his 714th Major League home run, tying Babe Ruth for most home runs in Major League historyCheck out http://MLB.com/v. "And he'll hit almost anything, so you have to be careful. [37] On April 13, Aaron made his major league debut and was hitless in five at-bats against the Cincinnati Reds' left-hander Joe Nuxhall. But for Aaron, the journey to 715 home runs was much more complex. Aaron got his start playing for. I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historical achievement. [139], He was named a 2010 Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society, in conjunction with the Governor of Georgia, to recognize accomplishments and community service that reflect the ideals of the founding body of Trustees, which governed the Georgia colony from 1732 to 1752. Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. Additionally, Aaron owned a chain of 30 restaurants around the country. That's the only thing that kept Willie Mays and me from being teammates fifty dollars.[24]. He was with the Braves from 1954 to 1974first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta, when the franchise moved in 1966and closed it out with two seasons back in Milwaukee for the Brewers. A crowd of 53,775 people, the largest in the history of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, was with Aaron that night to cheer when he hit a 4th inning pitch off the Los Angeles Dodgers Al Downing. He and his wife first became interested in the faith after the birth of their first child, whom they baptized immediately. 4/8/74: Vin Scully calls Hank Aaron's milestone home run as he passes Babe Ruth for the most career home runs when he slugs his 715th homerCheck out http://m. 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. He broke the long-standing MLB record for home runs held by Babe Ruth and remained the career leader for 33 years. FILE- In this July 12, 2004, file photo, home run record holder Hank Aaron greets San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds before the start of the All-Star Home Run Derby in Houston. [11] His family could not afford baseball equipment, so he practiced by hitting bottle caps with sticks. [42], Considerably later in his career, Aaron coined "Stone-fingers", which would prove a popular handle for one of baseball's more colorful characters, the famously distance-hitting but defensively challenged first baseman Dick Stuart,[43] reportedly "delight[ing]" even its recipient. 762 (Bonds' final homer . Hank Aaron dies at 86. He broke Babe Ruth's home run record - Los [68] As the fans cheered wildly, Aaron's parents ran onto the field as well. Say it: Hank Aaron is the real home-run champion The award was created to honor Vince Lombardi's legacy and is awarded annually to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the coach. [141][142], In November 2015, Aaron was one of the five inaugural recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Prize, an award granted by the National Portrait Gallery in recognition of "exemplary achievements in the fields of civil rights, business, entertainment, science, and sports. Nearly 28 years earlier, the read more, Pirates had not captured a ship sailing under the American flag since the 1820s until April 8, 2009, when the MV Maersk Alabama was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. [31], In December 1980, Aaron became senior vice president and assistant to the Braves' president. Single-Season Leaders & Records for Home Runs Hank Aaron hits his 714th home run, tying Babe Ruth for the home-run record Hank Aaron, one of baseball's all-time great home run hitters, has died. Hank Aaron Stats. SCP Auctions reports that Barry Bonds' record 756th home run ball to pass Hank Aaron for first on the all-time home run list went for $752,467 in 2007, while No. [114], The Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron during the 2021 season by including his jersey number 44 on the back of the team caps along with Phil Niekro's jersey number, 35 (who died one month earlier in December 2020). Aaron's record was . Hank Aaron, Home Run King Who Defied Racism, Dies at 86 - New York Times [11] Although he appeared in just 87 games, he scored 89 runs, had 116 hits, nine home runs, and 61 RBIs. The Braves returned to Atlanta, and on April 8, 1974, a crowd of 53,775 people showed up for the gamea Braves attendance record. Im proud of the home run record, but I dont talk about it because it brings back too many unpleasant memories.. Politicians also paid tribute to him. After the game, Aaron said his only fear was that he might not live to see the 1974 season. That year, he also played in his last and 24th All-Star Game (25th All-Star Game selection[47]); he lined out to Dave Concepcin as a pinch-hitter in the second inning. At the time of his retirement, Aaron held most of the game's key career power-hitting records. [36], In 1954, Aaron attended spring training with the major league club. [55] As the year came to a close, Aaron broke Stan Musial's major-league record for total bases (6,134),[56] the record he was the most proud of since it reflected his overall performance as a hitter and team player. In 1935, Babe Ruth hit his final and 714th home run, a record that would stand for 39 years. Hank Aaron, who faced down racism as he eclipsed Babe Ruth as baseball's home run king, hitting 755 homers and holding the most celebrated record in sports for more than 30 years, has. [128] The award honors the best overall offensive performer in the American and National League. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. Hank Aaron wore this jersey when he hit his 715th home run on April 8, 1974. Braves management wanted Hank to break the record in Atlanta and so they planned to sit him out that first series. [52] Aaron was, at the time, the second-youngest player to reach the milestone. The high-profile incident drew worldwide attention to the problem of piracy, commonly believed to be a thing of read more, On April 8, 1990, 18-year-old Ryan White dies of pneumonia, due to having contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion.