He was 87. "But I am Black.". "We are heartbroken and thinking of his wife Billye and their children Gaile, Hank, Jr., Lary, Dorinda and Ceci and his grandchildren. "He grew up poor and faced racism as he worked to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The Atlanta Braves said in a release that Aaron died peacefully in his sleep. Brian Kemp said in a statement on behalf of the Aaron family. 44 on their jersey sleeves throughout the 2021 season as a tribute to Aaron. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Brokaw, 80, is best known for anchoring the "NBC Nightly News" from 1982 through 2004. Longtime home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86, Bauer on Tatis' post-homer trolling: 'I'm all for it', Cubs P Tepera's suspension reduced to 2 games, A's continue barrage, extend win streak to 13, D-backs' Calhoun wowed by kid's takeaway catch, Coin owned by Rangers owner sells big at auction, Cards' Molina gets favorable report on ailing foot, Just amazin': Mets' deGrom K's 15 in another gem, 'Did I do something wrong?' By season's end, the rookie had put up promising numbers: 13 homers, 69 RBIs and a .280 average. He finished his career back in Milwaukee, traded to the Brewers after the 1974 season when he refused to take a front-office job that would have required a big pay cut. Aaron, who initially hit with a cross-handed style, was spotted by the Braves while trying out for the Indianapolis Clowns, a Negro Leagues team. Then Hank said: 'Who would have ever thought all those years ago that a black kid from Mobile, Alabama would break Babe Ruth's home run record and a Jewish kid from Milwaukee would become the Commissioner of Baseball?'". "His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person. Her mother is Jenny Jackson. In one of baseball's iconic moments, Aaron trotted around the basepaths -- despite briefly being interrupted by two fans -- and ultimately touched home plate, where teammates hoisted him, his parents embraced him and he was interviewed by a young Craig Sager. "But once our playing days are over, this is the end of it and we go back to the back of the bus again.". "A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come," said Carter, a Georgia native who often attended Braves games with his wife, Rosalynn. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Despite allegations that Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs, Aaron never begrudged someone eclipsing his mark. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. Women in MLB share their firsthand accounts of discrimination in baseball, Bryant: Let us appreciate the grace and uncommon decency of Henry Aaron, 755 home runs and even better than you remember: Hank Aaron was one of the five best MLB players ever, Hank Aaron's lasting impact is measured in more than home runs, one of many to appear on social media Friday. "The former Home Run King wasn't handed his throne," Bush said in a statement Friday. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. The Hall of Famer and philanthropist was 86. The Giants also were interested, but Aaron signed with Milwaukee, spent two seasons in the minors and came up to the Braves in 1954 after Bobby Thomson was injured in spring training. During the buildup to his passing of Ruth's home run mark, threats were made on his life by people who did not want to see a Black man break the record. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. In 1999, MLB created the Hank Aaron Award, given annually to the best hitter in both the AL and NL. 44 jerseys in Aaron's honor for the 2021 season. The Atlanta Braves are honored to announce that we are forming The Henry Louis Aaron Fund, inside the Atlanta Braves Foundation, and seeding the first $1 million. Aaron's death follows that of seven other baseball Hall of Famers in 2020 and two more -- Tommy Lasorda and Don Sutton -- already this year. His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into history -- and find a way to shine like no other.". Annie Camden (née Jackson) (played by Catherine Hicks) is the wife of Eric and mother of Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon, Ruthie, Sam, and David.She has a half-sister named Lily, through her father, Charles Jackson. He was 80 years old and leaves behind his wife, Patricia, and children: Sherry, Gary, and Aaron; a sister, Claire; and four grandchildren. ", Kemp issued an order to have the flags fly at half-staff at all state buildings in Georgia until sunset on the day of Aaron's funeral to honor his "groundbreaking career and tremendous impact on our state and nation.". The basement of the Austrian house where Josef Fritzl kept his daughter as his sex slave for 24 years has been sealed with concrete. Rest In Peace #HankAaron. "Hank Aaron was an American icon and one of Georgia's greatest legends. The Brewers will wear No. It was time for someone else to hold the record. The NFL's Atlanta Falcons, MLS' Atlanta United and Georgia Tech's football team all said they would retire their No. Aaron finished his career with a host of accolades. Howard Schnellenberger, who led the University of Miami to its first national football championship, died Saturday, his family announced. A 6-foot, 180-pounder, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's hallowed home run mark on April 8, … pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx. Aaron showed he wasn't hesitant about speaking out on the issues of the day, often speaking bluntly but never bitterly on the many hardships thrown his way -- from the poverty and segregation of his Alabama youth to the ugly, racist threats he faced during his pursuit of one of America's most hallowed records. His common refrain: More than three decades as the king was long enough. We ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his fans, family, and loved ones as we remember Hammerin' Hank's incredible legacy.". Tim Kurkjian remembers the impact of Hank Aaron, which extended far beyond the baseball diamond. Aaron was enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, receiving 97.8% approval in his first year on the ballot, nine votes short of being the first unanimous choice ever. Dynasty is an American prime time television soap opera reboot based on the 1980s series of the same name.. He was 86. Henry Aaron’s life-long passion was to increase minority participation in baseball - whether that was on the field, in baseball operations, on the business side of a front office or at Major League Baseball. He has been the network's senior correspondent in recent years, enjoying a … "Not long ago, he and I were walking the streets of Washington, D.C. together and talking about how we've been the best of friends for more than 60 years. "But he was unbreakable. Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. "We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank," Braves chairman Terry McGuirk said in a statement. ", Former MLB commissioner Bud Selig called Aaron, who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, a "true Hall of Famer in every way. Aaron was shadowed constantly by bodyguards and forced to distance himself from teammates. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. Times Free Press Obituaries. Tim Kurkjian reflects on Hank Aaron's legacy and how he was revered by everyone in MLB. "On the field, Blacks have been able to be super giants," he once said. Though he played for nearly two more decades, Aaron never came so close to a championship again. One of the sport's great stars despite playing for the small-market Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves throughout a major league career that spanned from 1954 to 1976, Aaron still holds major league records for RBIs (2,297), total bases (6,856) and extra-base hits (1,477), and he ranks among MLB's best in hits (3,771, third all time), games played (3,298, third) and runs scored (2,174, fourth). Bonds expressed his "deepest respect and admiration" for Aaron in a statement on Twitter. Aaron went on to play two more seasons and finished with 755 career home runs, a mark that stood as the major league record until Barry Bonds broke it in 2007. He kept all those hateful letters, a bitter reminder of the abuse he endured and never forgot. '', Former President Jimmy Carter, described Aaron as "a personal hero.''. The following year, Milwaukee made it back to the Series, only to blow a 3-1 lead and lose to the Yankees in seven games. Henry Louis Aaron wasn't just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. A true baseball legend. Aaron's debut was hardly glowing: He struck out twice and hit into a double play while going 0-for-5. Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, the Hall of Fame slugger whose 755 career home runs long stood as baseball's golden mark, has died. Hank Aaron: 1934-2021 Support the Henry Louis Aaron Fund Henry Aaron’s life-long passion was to increase minority participation in baseball - whether that was on the field, in baseball operations, on the business side of a front office or at Major League Baseball. Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association will graciously match with an additional $1 million. Longtime Fort Jones resident Gerald Lynn Still passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021 at his home. "If I was white, all America would be proud of me," Aaron said almost a year before he passed Ruth. He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. SOUTH PITTSBURG - Eula Jane Haggard Garman, 75 years old, went home to the Lord and her family on Monday, March 22, 2021. A 6-foot, 180-pounder, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's hallowed home run mark on April 8, 1974, slugging his record 715th off Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Al Downing in the fourth inning as 50,000-plus fans celebrated in Atlanta. He hit .345 that season, second in the NL to Hank Aaron at .355. "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. Off the field, Aaron was an activist for civil rights, having been a victim of racial inequalities. "He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank. His first home run came before April was done, against Vic Raschi. George W. Bush, a one-time owner of the Texas Rangers, presented Aaron in 2002 with the Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the nation's highest civilian honor. Our gratitude, thoughts and prayers are with the Aaron family.". He returned as a vice president and director of player development, a task he held for 13 years before settling into a largely ceremonial role as senior vice president and assistant to the president in 1989. He was the National League MVP in 1957 -- the same year the Braves won the World Series -- a two-time NL batting champion (1956, '59), a three-time Gold Glove winner in right field (1958-60) and a record 25-time All-Star, earning that honor every season but his first and last. He was a full-fledged star by 1957, when he led the Braves to that World Series victory over Mickey Mantle's New York Yankees. His life and career made history, and his influence was felt not only in the world of sports, but far beyond -- through his important work to advance civil rights and create a more equal, just society. Signed by the Cardinals at 17, Cunningham spent two years in the military during the Korean War before reaching the majors. We are heartbroken and thinking of his wife Billye and their children Gaile, Hank, Jr., Lary, Dorinda and Ceci and his grandchildren.” – from Terry McGuirk, Braves Chairman, Aaron Fund to help increase diversity in MLB, Memories of Aaron shared at funeral service, Hank Aaron celebrated at memorial service, Spring Training, 1954, changed Aaron's life, Beat writer Bowman reflects on Aaron's life, Aaron broke barriers during rise to Majors, 'The standard of greatness': HOFers on Hank, 13 stats that show Hank Aaron's significance, 'He's family': Dusty, Aaron had a unique bond. After retiring as a player, Aaron made amends with the Braves for trading him away. He hoped more Black players could find front-office work after their playing days were finished. (5:24). "Our family is heartbroken to hear the news of Hank Aaron's passing," Georgia Gov. He was 86. His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts. ", "Besides being one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Hank was a wonderful and dear person and a wonderful and dear friend," Selig said in a statement. “Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone’s list of all-time great players. "With courage and dignity, he eclipsed the most hallowed record in sports while absorbing vengeance that would have broken most people,'' President Joe Biden said. "This is a considerable loss for the entire city of Atlanta," Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a statement. Hank never let the hatred he faced consume him. Aaron was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, and didn't play organized high school baseball because only white students had teams. But it was Hammerin' Hank's sweet home run swing for which he was best known. "Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone's list of all-time great players," said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement -- one of many to appear on social media Friday. It is with great sadness we share the passing of our home run king, Hank Aaron, who passed away peacefully in his sleep.