Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron died Friday at the age of 86. And since then, the tributes honoring Aaron — who endured an onslaught of racism during his record-breaking career — have been abundant, celebrating him both on and off the field. Especially in Atlanta.
After spending most of his Major League career with the Atlanta Braves organization, his iconic No. 44 had, of course, already been retired.
But other Atlanta teams now are paying tribute to one of the greatest home-run hitters of all time too. The Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC announced Friday that they will also retire No. 44 for their respective 2021 seasons.
We and @ATLUTD will retire No. 44 for the 2021 seasons in honor of Atlanta legend Hank Aaron.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 22, 2021
Forever in our hearts. Forever a part of Atlanta.
No. 44 will be dedicated to Hank Aaron this season 📝 https://t.co/yLuo5YZooV pic.twitter.com/TxGi5tZfCe
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 22, 2021
Both teams are owned by Arthur Blank, who said in a statement that the organization is “heartbroken” by Aaron’s passing. He continued:
“He not only made a great impact on the diamond, but in society as well with his caring and genuine spirit, always taking the time to be a friend to all. As an original member of the Falcons Board of Directors, he served as a mentor to so many of our players throughout the years, providing a source of knowledge and support on what it takes to build a winning culture while always displaying a great deal of humility. We loved Hank and his wife, Billye, and we are truly saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.”
In a joint statement, Atlanta United president Darren Eales described Aaron as “an American hero, a trailblazer and arguably Atlanta’s greatest sports icon”, while Falcons president Rich McKay added:
“He was a true icon and yet when you encountered him, he always made you feel special. He was a great ambassador for the game of baseball, a great ambassador of the City of Atlanta and quite simply a great person.”
Honoring an icon.
Rest in Peace to the legendary Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/QSrYtW6HEa
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 22, 2021
Sad to hear about Hank Aaron’s passing. He was the gold standard for professionalism and humility. He did so much for the progression of our city and the country. RIP
— Matt Ryan (@M_Ryan02) January 22, 2021
An ATL legend that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Hank.
Tonight we light up 🔴&🔵 in honor 🙏 pic.twitter.com/D9nkKW1YMD
— MercedesBenzStadium (@MBStadium) January 23, 2021
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