Hank Aaron: Baseball Icon

Hank Aaron, real name Henry Louis Aaron was born in Mobile Alabama in February 5, 1934. If you are a baseball fan, this name is hard to miss. Many professional baseball players look up to him. Most dream of breaking the records he holds for several years.

The Milwaukee Braves, now Atlanta Braves, is surely lucky to have such an athlete on their side. Although tagged as the player who ousted Babe Ruth from the home run throne, that is not the only highlight in his 23 years career.

To honor his contributions to the sport loved by so many, the Major League Baseball developed the Hank Aaron Award, made known in 1999. This is a yearly recognition, awarded to hitters in individual leagues. In 1982, he made it to the infamous Baseball Hall of Fame.

His life was one dedicated to sport, most especially baseball. He declined several football scholarships and attempted to get into Major League Baseball when he was 15. However, success was not apparent. He did not make it to the team but this did not stop him from pursuing his dream.

While continuing his secondary education, he joined an independent Negro League Team called Mobile Black Bears. After which, he was signed to play for the major league under the wings of Indianapolis Clown.

Before making it to the major league, he played for the Eau Claire Bears. This is a team of the Braves in the Northern League Class-C. During his stay, he made it to the League’s All Stars and named Rookie of the Year. He slowly carved in his name in Baseball history, although often unnoticed by fans.

The Braves transferred him to the Jacksonville Tar, which won the championship. There he won the Most Valuable Player.

Racial discrimination was rampant during that time. He did not get the same benefits his teammates do.

Although he was playing well, he almost did not make it to the major league. It was not until the Braves needed a replacement for the injured Bobby Thompson. He got the job and worked his heart out. Even if he was one of the best in his time, fans seldom appreciate him. This is primarily because of discrimination.

He even received tons of hate mails when he was nearing the record set by Babe Ruth. Most would tell him he does not deserve to break the record because the whites are superior. On April 8, 1974, he did not disappoint Braves fans who came to witness the making of history. He hit his 715th home run.

The Atlanta Braves is truly fortunate to have such a remarkable player who up until now is serving them in the best way he can. Apart from setting and breaking records, he was a player who demonstrated true passion for the game. He was no superman. In fact, there were many low points in his life, but he never gave up. He was a great player but did not demand royal treatment. He is not only a baseball icon because of the numbers on his stats, but also because of the character, he maintained amidst his detractors.

About the Author

Rick Grantham is an expert on sports equipment, specially on
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