Baseball lost an absolute titan Friday with the death of Hank Aaron.
The longtime home run king died at the age of 86, leaving behind one of the greatest legacies in sports. Aaron was more than just a baseball player, but a standard bearer and humanitarian who came to transcend the game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game. He was 86. pic.twitter.com/bCvLOydGBZ
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2021
A number of former players took to Twitter to offer their condolences to Aaron's family and share personal recollections, including legendary designated hitters David Ortiz and Frank Thomas.
A legend on and off the ball field… the best to ever do it… RIP Mr Hank Aaron 🙏🏿 #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021
I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!! #HRKing#HammeringHank🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021
Aaron's greatness on and off the field also resonated with Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson, who credited Aaron with helping him transition into the business world.
Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business.
Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend. Cookie and I are praying for the entire Aaron family. 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
Numerous reporters shared personal stories of encounters with Aaron, emphasizing the sheer aura that surrounded Hammerin' Hank Aaron.
This was the only time I was in a room with Hank Aaron. I was so flabbergasted and speechless I’m surprised I was able to take the picture. A true American hero. RIP to the 🐐, and thank you. pic.twitter.com/AtS4wYHGrT
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) January 22, 2021
https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1352650726984527872
Indeed, Aaron's baseball journey is one of tremendous longevity, excellence and perseverance.
The Milwaukee-Atlanta Braves legend made the All-Star team in every single season between 1955 and 1975. He led baseball in RBI on four separate occasions, also hitting 40 or more homer runs eight times during that span. Aaron is still the all-time leader in RBI and total bases, records unlikely to be broken anytime soon, if ever.
But it is Aaron's chase of the all-time home record that is ultimately the definitive period of his career. He received death threats and was constantly engulfed by scrutiny as a Black man seeking to surpass Babe Ruth's 714 home runs. Yet, he persisted, breaking the record on April 8, 1974 in one of the most memorable moments in MLB history.
Major League Baseball's Hank Aaron Award is one of the highest honors players can receive, and his legacy as a sportsman and a genuine figure will live on forever.
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