The sports world is grieving following the passing of Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron. ‘Hammerin Hank’ passed away Jan. 22, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 86.
Hank Aaron is widely considered the true home run king of baseball. He finished his career with 755 home runs, but is remembered for how he impacted the world beyond the game of baseball.
As an African-American, Hank Aaron overcame hate mail, racism, and more to become a baseball legend and an ambassador for the state of Georgia. The Atlanta Braves organization, baseball, and America would not be the same without Hank Aaron. We tip to cap to Hank Aaron, his family, and his friends for their incredible legacy.
Hank Aaron played for the Atlanta Braves from 1954 to 1974. He famously broke Babe Ruth’s home run record during his final season with the Braves in 1974. Not bad for a man who grew up in Mobile, Alabama.
Here’s how the Georgia sports community remembered the legendary Hank Aaron:
I loved getting to spend some time with Hank Aaron a few years ago. He was a legend in every way! RIP pic.twitter.com/c56h79qJfj
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 22, 2021
Two legends – both Mobile natives – Vince Dooley and the late Hank Aaron. Photo courtesy of UGA. pic.twitter.com/W2pw0K64LQ
— Anthony Dasher (@AnthonyDasher1) January 22, 2021
Georgia Bulldogs basketball coach Tom Crean weighed in on Aaron’s death. He fondly admired Aaron:
When I think of Hank Aaron I think of grace, class and greatness.
Let’s all pray for his family and friends as they deal with this loss.
— Tom Crean (@TomCrean) January 22, 2021
Pioneer. Thank you for knocking down walls https://t.co/T31T6JUJDE
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) January 22, 2021
(2001) Hank Aaron and Muhammad Ali are presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal at the White House.
Two Kings. 👑👑 pic.twitter.com/W4I44Vqtyg
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron couldn't enjoy his chase towards becoming the home run king because of the flood of racism and pressure directed towards him
In this 2014 CNN interview, he talked about the burdens of being a pioneer in that moment pic.twitter.com/fGqMsAe65G
— joon (@joonlee) January 22, 2021
R.I.P. to 1 of the worlds greatest sports heroes for myself and many other people. Did things the right way and was a pillar of his community. Home Run King and hero to me!!! #HankAaron pic.twitter.com/CKLaomtKMG
— DjShockley (@DjShockley3) January 22, 2021
Two Georgia legends.
📸: @hargrettlibrary pic.twitter.com/9UHsyNa1Rd— 960 The Ref (@960theref) January 22, 2021
It is with great sadness we share the passing of our home run king, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/ZdRuhqIaet
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
[vertical-gallery id=38787]
Gone But Never Forgotten Legend❤️😞🙏🏽 #RIPHankAaron pic.twitter.com/YrpTRZ8Zp9
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 22, 2021
About 3k death threats a day…. wow A lot of talk cause it’s popular but sooo many ppl despised him cause his greatness and being better than their fav players (oops his bad). Im just saddened and floored but blessed. To be able to have heard such stories. RIP Mr. Aaron
— 10 (@SimplyAJ10) January 22, 2021