On January 22, 2021, the sports world received devastating news that once home run king and sports legend Hank Aaron had passed away. He was 86 years old. I think I speak for everyone when I say that Hank Aaron's impact on the game of baseball and sports in general was of great significance to say the least. The baseball legend ended his career with 25 all star game appearances, 3,771 hits, 755 home runs (second all-time), an MLB record 2,297 runs batted in, and a .305 career batting average. Aaron obtained a broad collection of accolades throughout his career such as the 1957 National League Most Valuable Player, 3 Gold Glove Awards, 2 Batting Titles, and won the World Series with the then-Milwaukee Braves in 1957.
Hank Aaron was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1982 on his first time on the ballot. He received 97.8% of the vote.
Hank Aaron's career had many highlights, but most would agree that the highlight of his career would come on April 8, 1974. This moment would be his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth's then-record of 714 home runs. Aaron would finish his career with 755 career home runs. This would be a record that would stand until 2007 when Barry Bonds hit a record-breaking 756th home run.
Hank Aaron's resilience while facing racism throughout his career is remarkable within itself. As he neared Babe Ruth's home run record, Aaron began to receive many disturbing letters peppered with racial slurs, death threats, and anger. These threats he had received were considered serious enough to be investigated by the FBI.
Many sports stars and people took to social media to pay their respects to the one they call "Hammerin' Hank". Hank Aaron's legacy will live on forever in baseball. He will be remembered as a man that played the game with grace, passion, and just flat out played it the right way.
JP Sports offers sincere condolences to the family of Hank Aaron and to all that he may have impacted.
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