National Baseball Hall of Fame remembers Hank Aaron

Legendary slugger and National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Hank Aaron passed away on Friday at the age of 86. Photo: National Baseball Hall of Fame

January 22, 2021

Official National Baseball Hall of Fame Press Release

The National Baseball Hall of Fame Remembers Hank Aaron

“It’s the proudest moment of my life, to give my things to the Hall of Fame.” – Hank Aaron

Remembering Hank Aaron

“Hank Aaron’s incredible talent on the baseball field was only matched by his dignity and character, which shone brightly, not only here in Cooperstown, but with every step he took. His courage while pursuing the game’s all-time home run record served as an example for millions of people inside and outside of the sports world, who were also aspiring to achieve their greatest dreams. His generosity of spirit and legendary accomplishments will live in Cooperstown forever. On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire staff of the Hall of Fame, we send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Billye, and his entire family.”

– Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame

Hank Aaron’s Hall of Fame plaque (elected, 1982)

Hank Aaron Bio

Born: Feb. 5, 1934, in Mobile, AL

Died: Jan. 22, 2021

Height: 6-0 Weight: 180

Batted right and threw right

Exhibiting an understated style that became his trademark, Henry Aaron became the all-time home run champion via one of the most consistent offensive careers in baseball history with 3,771 hits. He hit 755 home runs, a record that stood for more than 30 years, and still holds major league records for total bases, extra-base hits and RBI. He was the 1957 National League Most Valuable Player, won three Gold Glove awards for his play in right field and was named to a record 25 All-Star games. Curt Simmons once said of Aaron, “Trying to throw a fastball by him is like trying to sneak a sunrise past a rooster.”

Quotes from Hank Aaron

“I never wanted them to forget Babe Ruth. I just wanted them to remember Henry Aaron.”

Quotes about Hank Aaron

Former teammate Johnny Logan: “Henry’s like the Mississippi River. He keeps going and going.”

Former teammate Andy Pafko: “The first time I saw him in spring training, he had ‘Major League’ written all over him – one of those guys who comes around maybe once every hundred years.”

Former teammate Phil Niekro: “His home runs were like the sun coming up. You just don’t know what time.”