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Nicknamed “Hammerin’ Hank”, the Braves 25 time All-Star is best known for breaking Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs and retiring from baseball hitting a new record of 755 home runs--a record that stood for 33 years and many argue a record that still stands today.
Aaron’s career with the Negro leagues was rather short lived, playing with the Indianapolis Clowns for a mere three months in 1951 when his exceptional performance was quickly recognized with offers from the New York Giants and Milwaukee Braves. A contract difference of $50 is all that kept Aaron from joining Willie Mays and the Giants in New York. By 1954 and gaining more experience in the minor leagues, Aaron made his major league appearance with the Braves and his new teammates, Eddie Mathews and Warren Spahn.
After only four seasons, Aaron helped lead the Braves in 1957 to a 7 game World Series Championship over Casey Stengel’s New York Yankees and winning the NL MVP the same year. The next three years, the hard hitting right fielder won the Gold Glove award. In addition to reaching the milestone of breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron hit over 3,000 hits (3,771) and is now one of three Hall of Famers (Willie Mays and Eddie Murray) to hit both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in their career. Aaron maintains the all-time record for career RBIs, total bases, and extra-base hits. He was a 4 time NL home run leader and won two batting titles.
Aaron was inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 (first ballot).
