As Black History Month came to an end, Lary Aaron paid homage to his famous baseball playing father Hank Aaron, also known as “Hammerin’ Hank.”
Henry “Hank” Aaron was born February 5, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama. He finished his career as an outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 having hit 755 home runs during his 23 years as a major league baseball player. He was America’s all-time homerun leader for three decades. On April 8, 1974, he surpassed no other than Babe Ruth.
Hank Aaron’s legacy still lives on thanks to his five children. His son, Lary Aaron, was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round of 1981 and played two seasons. Lary has worked for the Milwaukee Brewers as a scout for the past nineteen years. Lary Aaron is the third oldest out of Hank Aaron’s children and the nephew of Tommie Aaron who was an American professional baseball player and coach. Lary has one brother and three sisters. “When my father became the best player on [sic.] the game, breaking Babe Ruth’s record, we had death threats on [sic.] our family,” Lary recalled about his father’s historic achievement. Being the son of a former baseball player had its hardships. “It was his job and he did it well,” said Lary. “I’m proud our family came a long way. We will continue to move forward.”
Lary recalled that his father had to deal with a lot of discrimination because of the racist and divided Civil Rights era. Racial segregation restricted Blacks and Whites from integrating in schools, churches, and even parks. However, segregation did not stop African American baseball players. Hank Aaron began his career in 1951 in the ‘Negro Leagues’ which allowed many African Americans to thrive at various levels of professional baseball. Hank Aaron was a consistent hitter with a powerful wrist and an outstanding swing. The future “home run king” played shortstop for the Negro American League’s Indianapolis Clowns for three months.
In 1953, Hank Aaron was away at a training camp in Waycross, Georgia. The camp was far away from town, but a bus was able to travel the distance and pick up Hank Aaron and his team to buy any necessities that they might need. Unfortunately, it was Hank Aaron’s first time heading into town, and he missed his bus. The shortest route back to camp was to walk straight through the woods. A guard spotted Hank Aaron in the woods and aimed and shot in Hank’s direction. Fortunately, he managed to get away.
Surrounded with the stress and pressures of racial discrimination, Hank longed for his safety in order to help his family. His teammates often brought him food when they travelled together. His team provided Hank with uplifting and assuring words to help release any tensions he was feeling. Hank was regularly isolated from the other teammates and kept under tight security. For this reason, his teammates came to visit him.
Hank was admired, even the great boxing legend Muhammad regarded Hank as “the only man I idolized more than myself.” Another Hall of Famer, Mickey Mantle, considered him “the best baseball player in his time.” Hank made history when he hit home run number 715 against the Dodgers in 1974. There was an uproar in the
arena that day.
In his career, Hank Aaron had 755 home runs, 2,297 runs batted in, 6,856 total bases, 1,477 extra base hits and 12,364 times at bat. Aaron’s number 44 jersey was retired by both the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. Each franchise displays a bronze statue of Hammerin’ Hank outside of its stadium. His contribution in history will never be forgotten as his children continues to share his story.
