What Happened to Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron?
Hank Aaron was a legendary American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. He broke Babe Ruth's long-standing career home run record in 1974, finishing his career with 755 home runs, and remained a prominent figure in baseball and civil rights until his passing in January 2021. His legacy continues to be honored through various initiatives and tributes.
Quick Answer
Hank Aaron, often called "Hammerin' Hank," was a baseball icon best known for breaking Babe Ruth's career home run record, ultimately hitting 755 home runs. He played 23 seasons in MLB, mostly with the Braves, and was also a significant advocate for civil rights. Aaron passed away on January 22, 2021, at the age of 86, but his impact is still celebrated through posthumous honors like the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, a USPS commemorative stamp unveiled in 2026, and tributes at MLB events.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Mobile, Alabama
Henry Louis Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, one of eight children.
Signs with Boston Braves
Aaron signed with the Boston Braves after playing briefly for the Indianapolis Clowns in the Negro American League.
MLB Debut with Milwaukee Braves
Aaron made his Major League Baseball debut with the Milwaukee Braves, who had moved from Boston.
Wins NL MVP and World Series
Aaron won his only National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award and led the Milwaukee Braves to a World Series championship.
Achieves 3,000th Career Hit
Hank Aaron recorded his 3,000th career hit, becoming the tenth player in MLB history to reach the milestone.
Breaks Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
Aaron hit his 715th career home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, surpassing Babe Ruth's long-standing record amidst significant racist threats.
Plays Final MLB Game
Aaron played his last Major League Baseball game as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers, concluding a 23-season career.
Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame
Hank Aaron was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving 97.8% of the votes.
MLB Establishes Hank Aaron Award
Major League Baseball introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league, commemorating the 25th anniversary of his 715th home run.
Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
President George W. Bush awarded Hank Aaron the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his humanitarian efforts.
Passes Away at Age 86
Hank Aaron died at the age of 86 in Atlanta, Georgia, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in baseball and civil rights.
Henry Louis Aaron Fund Established
Following Aaron's death, the Atlanta Braves, MLB, and MLB Players Association created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund to promote equity and access in baseball.
MLB All-Star Game Tribute
Major League Baseball and the Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron with a high-tech tribute during the All-Star Game at Truist Park, recreating his 715th home run.
USPS Unveils Commemorative Stamp
The United States Postal Service partners with the Atlanta Braves to unveil a commemorative stamp in honor of Henry Louis Aaron at Truist Park during Hank Aaron Week.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Henry Louis Aaron, born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, began his professional baseball career in the Negro American League with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1952. His talent quickly caught the attention of Major League scouts, leading him to sign with the Boston Braves organization. He made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Braves on April 13, 1954, and was one of the first Black Americans to play in the South Atlantic League, breaking color barriers early in his career.
Aaron rapidly ascended to stardom, earning his first of a record 25 All-Star Game appearances in 1955. He won his only National League MVP Award in 1957, the same year he led the Milwaukee Braves to a World Series championship. Known for his consistent power and hitting prowess, Aaron hit 24 or more home runs every year from 1955 through 1973, and is one of only two players to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least 15 times.
The most iconic moment of his career came on April 8, 1974, when he hit his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth's legendary record. This achievement was met with immense public attention, but also with a barrage of racist threats and hate mail, highlighting the racial tensions of the era. Aaron faced these challenges with dignity and grace, cementing his place not just as a baseball legend, but also as a symbol of perseverance in the face of prejudice.
After retiring in 1976 with 755 home runs, Aaron continued to contribute to baseball and society. He held various front office roles with the Atlanta Braves, becoming one of the first Black individuals in MLB upper-level management. Beyond baseball, Aaron was a dedicated civil rights activist, a lifetime member of the NAACP, and co-founded the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation with his wife, Billye, to support disadvantaged youth. He also became a successful businessman, owning a BMW dealership and restaurant franchises.
Hank Aaron passed away on January 22, 2021, at the age of 86. His legacy continues to be celebrated through numerous honors, including the annual Hank Aaron Award, established in 1999 to recognize top offensive players. Following his death, the Atlanta Braves, MLB, and MLB Players Association created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund in 2021 to promote equity and access in baseball. In July 2025, MLB and the Atlanta Braves held a significant tribute during the All-Star Game at Truist Park, recreating his 715th home run with projection mapping and fireworks. Most recently, in July 2026, the United States Postal Service unveiled a commemorative stamp in his honor at Truist Park as part of Hank Aaron Week.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron made different choices?