Resilient. That is the word that should be used when describing the career and the life of Henry “Hank” Aaron. Not only is he arguably the greatest Georgia sporting icon, but he is also probably in the conversation of the greatest icon among other American athletes.
Coming into the league right after Jackie Robinson had broken the color barrier in 1947, Aaron had to grow up and try to play in a world where he had to fight for basic respect on and off the field. Playing in an era of great social change in the United States, Aaron also had to deal with hatred in the sports world as well.
Aaron’s greatest accomplishment came late in his career when began to close in on Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record of 714. At the end of the 1973 season, he finished needing only two more home runs to break the record. That off-season, Aaron tried to downplay the fact the record was on his mind. It’s hard to believe him, though, when it was well reported how much mail Aaron got through the Atlanta Braves organization. The United States Postal Service estimated that Aaron received more than 930,000 pieces of mail.
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What stood out the most was the overwhelming amount of bigotry and hatred that he received. Lewis Grizzard, then executive sports editor of the Atlanta Journal, talked about how much hatred their news team received for following Aarons journey to 715. Grizzard said that his staff had already prepared an obituary for Aaron in fear that he would be killed before the 1974 season could roll around.
All the negativity couldn’t stop him from being great. Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s record at the start of the 1974 season in front of a record crowd in Atlanta. Fans, Aaron’s family and the press all stormed the field to congratulate him.
An offseason and a career that were tainted with hatred and distractions, had to feel rewarding for Aaron as he finally could shrug the weight of the world off his shoulders and stand on top of the baseball world. He would go on to finish his career with 25 All-Star appearances, three gold gloves and a World Series championship in 1957.
His 755 homeruns is still to this day seen as the record by some because the record was broken in the steroids era that many seemed delegitimized baseball. In the end, Aaron’s career and life was one of great adversity that was answered to the highest level. His death left the sports world in a moment of silence.
Hank Aaron’s life should be remembered as not only a tremendous athlete, but a great example of how we should always strive to keep moving forward. His impact as an African American athlete breaking records against all odds is something that should never be underestimated. He was an example of hope, toughness and progress and an example of what all Americans should strive for. His impact on the game of baseball will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Mr. Aaron, for everything you did for the world of sports.
River Gracey is a contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at producers@theaugustapress.com
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