Hank Aaron

American baseball legend who broke Babe Ruth's home run record and became one of the greatest hitters in MLB history with 755 career home runs.

Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1934, Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron grew up in a working-class family during the Great Depression. He developed his baseball skills playing in local sandlots before joining the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League in 1952 at age 18. The Milwaukee Braves purchased his contract for $10,000, and after brief minor league seasoning, Aaron made his major league debut in 1954. Aaron's career with the Milwaukee and later Atlanta Braves spanned 21 seasons, during which he established himself as one of baseball's most consistent power hitters. He never relied on dramatic home run surges, instead maintaining remarkable consistency by hitting 30 or more home runs in 15 consecutive seasons from 1957 to 1973. His peak years included winning National League MVP honors in 1957 when he led the Braves to a World Series championship over the New York Yankees. Aaron captured two batting titles and earned three Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess in right field. The defining moment of Aaron's career came on April 8, 1974, when he surpassed Babe Ruth's long-standing record of 714 home runs despite receiving numerous death threats and racist hate mail. Playing under FBI protection, Aaron broke the record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium before a national television audience. He finished his career with 755 home runs, a record that stood until Barry Bonds surpassed it in 2007. Aaron also held the all-time RBI record with 2,297, accumulated over 3,000 hits, and earned 25 All-Star selections. Aaron's significance extends far beyond statistics. His dignified pursuit of Ruth's record while facing intense racial hostility demonstrated extraordinary courage and grace under pressure. He became a symbol of perseverance during a pivotal era in American civil rights history. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, Aaron remained active in baseball and civil rights causes until his death in January 2021. His legacy encompasses both athletic excellence and social progress.

Powerful right-handed hitter with exceptional consistency and longevity

One of baseball's greatest hitters and civil rights pioneer

• World Series Champion 1957
• 3x Gold Glove
• NL MVP 1957
• 755 career home runs
• 25x All-Star
• 2x NL Batting Champion