“Henry would be as thrilled as I am to see his statue at the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” expressed Aaron’s widow Billye Aaron. “His life embodied hope and perseverance, inspiring generations to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. This tribute is a testament to his love for the game and his desire to inspire young boys and girls everywhere.”
“Henry Aaron, in the second inning walked and scored. He’s sittin’ on 714,” said Braves announcer Milo Hamilton calling the game on WSB Radio. “Here’s the pitch by Downing. Swinging. There’s a drive into left-center field. That ball is gonna be-eee … Outta here! It’s gone! It’s 715! There’s a new home run champion of all time, and it’s Henry Aaron! The fireworks are going. Henry Aaron is coming around third. His teammates are at home plate. And listen to this crowd!”
Hank Aaron, who endured racist threats with stoic dignity during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record and gracefully left his mark as one of baseball’s greatest all-around players, died Friday. He was 86.
Gibson emerged as a raw, but immensely talented rookie who would not be denied stardom. He became a full-time starting pitcher in July 1961 and earned his first All-Star appearance in 1962. Gibson won two of three games he pitched in the 1964 World Series, then won 20 games in a season for the first time in 1965. Gibson also pitched three complete game victories in the 1967 World Series.
FORMER PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
“Considering his enormous impact on the history of this country, what always struck those who met John was his gentleness and humility. Born into modest means in the heart of the Jim Crow South, he understood that he was just one of a long line of heroes in the struggle for racial justice. Early on, he embraced the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as the means to bring about real change in this country, understanding that such tactics had the power not only to change laws, but to change hearts and minds as well.”
ATLANTA (AP) — When Brian Hunter and other former major league players were in the presence of Hank Aaron, they acted like teenagers, standing, pointing and trying to get pictures when he entered the room. Someone whispered, “there he is.” The vibe in the room quickly changed upon Aaron’s arrival at an Atlanta restaurant Friday to talk with 44 high school players, mostly African-Americans. The visit was part of Aaron’s ongoing efforts for more diversity in baseball. Hunter, who has been coaching some of the players, said that the 85-year-old Hall of Famer has that effect on baseball players of
notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast-to-coast all the stops in between and beyond.
Notes, quotes and things picked up on the run from coast to-coast and all the stops in between and beyond.
The Smithsonian Channel collaborated with Major League Baseball to create Major League Legends, a four-part documentary series that examine the lives of four outstanding baseball players in history. The Smithsonian Channel will kick off the series by broadcasting Major League Legends: Hank Aaron, their Black History Month special on Monday, Feb. 29 at 8:00 PT. Other players featured in the series are Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth. “Hank Aaron gives you a different story and a different way of thinking about the importance of race and baseball and the importance of race in American society particularly as one
After making history at the Little League World Series, pitching phenom Mo’ne Davis traveled to learn about her history.