Hank Aaron

This is the 4th profile of a player not included in Strat-O-Matic’s 103 card set. No better day than Day 44 to honor Hammerin’ Hank.

Hank Aaron, probably the greatest right-handed hitter in baseball history, played one season (1952) as a shortstop in the Negro Leagues for the Indianapolis Clowns. That season he was scouted by both the Boston Braves and New York Giants, but only the Braves saw what this man could become.

“The only man I idolize more than myself”

Muhammad Ali on Hank Aaron

One thing that stands out about Aaron is how amazingly consistent and well-rounded he was. Not just a home run hitter, he won batting titles as well as setting career records for RBI, total bases, and extra base hits. He was also an excellent base runner. He did win a World Series with the Milwaukee Braves in 1957, and that was the only year he was voted the MVP. One MVP??? Seems impossible.

The class and determination that Aaron showed in his chase for Babe Ruth’s career home run record was amazing. He got death threats and hate mail, yet he kept on going. I can still remember seeing him hit that record breaking 715th home run, rounding the bases with a couple fans.

I also recall the good fortune to open a pack of Topps baseball cards in 1973 and seeing his card on top, waiting to catch a fly ball. As a kid my family took me to see the Braves in spring training, and I had my picture taken with him. The photo was lost in a move, but I still have that picture in my head.

Hank Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Links to Learn More About Hank Aaron

• NLBM
• The Athletic 100 – Number 4
  This is behind a pay wall, but The Athletic often runs free trials and Joe Posnanski’s series is a highly recommended read!
• Baseball Reference
• Baseball Almanac
• MLB
• Hall of Fame
• SABR
• Besting Ruth, Beating Hate (CNN)
• Fangraphs