Today the sports world is mourning the loss of baseball icon Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron. He was a record breaking civil rights icon who will forever be remembered for the impact he had on the MLB and sports in general.
Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s career record for the most home runs and shattered racial barriers during his life. Hank Aaron passed away on Friday morning. Aaron’s daughter confirmed his death to WSB-TV, but did not provide a cause.
Aaron made headlines just two weeks ago when he received the COVID-19 vaccine in Atlanta, Georgia. He was reportedly hoping to encourage other Americans to get their vaccine to fight against coronavirus.
I was proud to get the COVID-19 vaccine earlier today at Morehouse School of Medicine. I hope you do the same! https://t.co/RAlkmkCRra
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) January 5, 2021
The Hall of Fame slugger whose 755 career home runs long stood as baseball’s golden mark. Aaron still holds major league records for RBIs (2,297), total bases (6,856) and extra-base hits (1,477), and he ranks among MLB’s best in hits (3,771, third all time), games played (3,298, third) and runs scored (2,174, fourth).
After he retired, Aaron joined the Braves as an executive and said he “hoped more Black players could find that type of work after their playing days were finished.” Aaron was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.
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