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Hank Aaron Facts

Hank Aaron Facts
Hank Aaron is an American retired professional Major League Baseball player who played for the Milwaukee (Atlanta) Braves for 21 seasons in the National League and 2 seasons in the American League for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was born Henry Louis Aaron on February 5th, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, to Estella Aaron and Herbert Aaron, Sr. Hank had seven siblings and his brother Tommie also played in the Major Leagues. Hank grew up in a poor family and made bats and balls from found items. He played third base and outfield for the Mobile Black Bears, a semi-pro team when in high school. At the age of 15, due to his reputation as a power hitter, he tried out for the Brooklyn Dodgers but was unsuccessful. In 1954 Hank was signed to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Interesting Hank Aaron Facts:
Hank Aaron was a Boy Scouts of America member.
In 1951 Hank played for the Negro American League for the Indianapolis Clowns.
While playing for the Clowns Hank was subjected to overt racism while in Washington when the staff at a restaurant broke all the plates that he and his teammates had eaten from, rather than washing them and reusing them.
The Milwaukee Braves purchased Hank Aaron from the Clowns for $10,000.
The Braves assigned Hank to play for the Eau Claire Bears - a Class-C farm team. He soon made the Northern League's All-Star team. By the end of the season he was Rookie of the Year.
Racism and homesickness almost caused Hank to give up his career and return home but his brother convinced him to not give up.
In 1953 Hank was promoted to the Jacksonville Braves. He won Most Valuable Player that year in the South Atlantic league. He was also one of the first African American's to play in that league.
Hank met his wife Barbara Lucas, in 1953 and they married October 6th.
Hank played his first major league spring training game in 1954. He signed a contract for the Braves the next day.
Between 1954 and 1965 Hank Aaron played in the Major Leagues for the Milwaukee Braves.
Hank Aaron went on to be selected to play in 25 Major League All-Star baseball games.
Hank Aaron earned the nickname 'Hammerin' Hank' by teammates and 'Bad Henry' by pitchers on opposing teams.
Hank Aaron earned his first home run in the Major Leagues on April 23rd, 1954 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1966 the Milwaukee Braves became the Atlanta Braves and Hank played for the team until 1974.
On April 8th, 1974 Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record when he earned his 715th home run.
Between 1974 and 1976 Hank Aaron played for the Milwaukee Brewers. His final home run was on July 20th, 1976. His final game was in October that year.
Hank Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
Hank Aaron's stats included 3,771 hits, 755 home runs, and his batting average was .305.
There are many honors and awards in Hank Aaron's name.


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