Celebrating Hank Aaron

The GSA extends its condolences to the family and friends of Henry “Hank” Aaron, who passed away in his home on January 22. While Hammerin’ Hank’s achievements on the baseball field gave him fortune and fame, he is remembered for the kindness with which he treated others, and a life-long humility that never waned, even as Hank surpassed Babe Ruth as the all-time career leader in home runs in 1974.

In his 23-year career in the Major Leagues, Hank Aaron famously hit 755 home runs. He also accrued 98 triples, 624 doubles, and maintained a batting average of .305 for his career. He remains the all-time record holder for career RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856).

Though we mourn Hank’s passing, we recognize his incredible legacy, and hope to celebrate the amazing career and life that Hank had. His first taste of professional baseball came in 1951, when scout Ed Scott signed Aaron to play for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues. In 1952, Aaron’s performance lead to the purchasing of his contract by the then-Boston Braves. Aaron established himself as a star player as a 20-year-old rookie in 1954. Hank spent 20 years with the Braves, moving with the team to Atlanta and laying the foundation for the explosion of Georgia’s baseball culture in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Braves will hold a memorial service for Aaron on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Truist Park. The service can be streamed online here.