Hank Aaron: A Legend for Equality

“My motto was to always keep swinging . Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” Hank Aaron’s advice was timely more than 30 years ago when he said it and it still rings too today. We all need to keep swinging in many different areas of our life. Read on to learn how this incredible icon bravely shaped our lives both on and off the field. 

Hank Aaron , a hero of the civil rights movement and one of the greatest players of all time, was born in 1934. During this time, the South was segregated, and Blacks were not allowed to play major league sports. As a child, Aaron admired Jackie Robinson and aspired to become like him. In 1954, Aaron joined the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and began to make history. 

Hank Aaron was a legend both on and off the baseball field. This article will explore his heroic life and provide inspiration as we analyze the struggles that he overcame in many areas of his life. Hank hit 755 career home runs and held the home run record for over three decades. From 1955 to 1975 he was named an All Star. Nicknamed “Hammer” or “Hammerin Hank” he played right field and spent 21 seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Hank won numerous awards including: Batting champion  (2 times) , home run leader, ( 4 times), and the Golden Glove Winner, 2xs. Hank’s number was retired from the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers . Hank was also inducted into the American Family Field Walk of Fame and Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Many books have been written about Hank’s incredible accomplishments in baseball. Hank broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs. This feat was not only an incredible athletic feat but it showed bravery as well. Many fans were upset about Aaron breaking the record and he even received death threats.  However, Aaron said that, “there was absolutely nothing that would stand in my way to keep me from fulfilling my goal of trying to be the best baseball player that I could” .  After he retired from baseball, Hank wanted to continue his career in sports so he became one of the first Black executives with the Atlanta Braves. 

Aaron and his wife Billye were avid supporters of organizations such as the NAACP. They created the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation to help children reach their full potential. This organization has provided many scholarships to the Boys and Girls Club. Aaron credits his philanthropic nature to his mother. She encouraged him to help others and pull them out of negative situations. Aaron’s bright legacy will shine on thru his family, foundation, and legacy of courage.