Aaron finished his career in 1976 as baseball’s all-time home run leader with 755. He remains the game’s all-time leader in RBIs (2,297).
The @daytondailynews coverage, from Si Burick and Hal McCoy, of Hank Aaron's 714th home run, which he hit at Riverfront Stadium on April 4, 1974. He tied Babe Ruth that day. pic.twitter.com/zhkVqzRsmM
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) January 22, 2021
According to a statement by the Atlanta Braves, Aaron died in his sleep.
“Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone’s list of all-time great players,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person. Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into history — and find a way to shine like no other.”
“Hank eagerly supported our efforts to celebrate the game’s best and to find its next generation of stars, including through the Hank Aaron Award, which recognizes offensive excellence by Major League players, and the Hank Aaron Invitational, which provides exposure to elite young players. He became a close friend to me in recent years as result of his annual visit to the World Series. That friendship is one of the greatest honors of my life. I am forever grateful for Hank’s impact on our sport and the society it represents, and he will always occupy a special place in the history of our game. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Hank’s wife, Billye, their family, the fans of Atlanta and Milwaukee, and the millions of admirers earned by one of the pillars of our game.”
Here’s a roundup of other reactions:
I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!! #HRKing#HammeringHank🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021
Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman...
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
The Cincinnati Reds join all of Major League Baseball in mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/XF9xGCBKw6
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 22, 2021
As a child, Hank Aaron hid under his bed when the KKK stormed through his neighborhood.
— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) January 22, 2021
As an 18 year old, he left Mobile, Alabama with two sandwiches and two dollars.
He retired as baseball's home run king and died today a hero. So inspiring.
When I was a kid, learning about Hank Aaron’s life and career meant learning for the first time that folks were still treated differently because of the color of their skin. Also it meant learning about an amount of dignity that I couldn’t possibly comprehend. #RIPHankAaron
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) January 22, 2021
It is with great sadness we share the passing of our home run king, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/ZdRuhqIaet
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
Rest Easy Hank Aaron. True Legend On and Off The Diamond, A Hero to Myself and So Many People!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) January 22, 2021
Statement from Bud Selig on Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/yd3wmd95bG
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was not only a home run king, but a king of justice. In the face of racism and vitriol, he broke through barriers with grace on his way to becoming one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. We've lost a true trailblazer and American icon.
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 22, 2021
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/HXD5bqGbnm
Statement from Executive Director Tony Clark on the passing of Hank Aaron: pic.twitter.com/bAc4vNAgn8
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) January 22, 2021
When Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974, he refused to be intimidated in the face of racism and continued to champion racial justice. He was a giant in Atlanta, a treasure to our Nation, & a friend to my family. He will be greatly missed.
— Martin Luther King III (@OfficialMLK3) January 22, 2021
Nancy and I pass our condolences to all of Hank's family today. So saddened to hear the news of Hank's passing. There was a certain spirit, even a reverence, when in Hank Aaron's presence that you could feel. Grace, strength, integrity. We were blessed to have known him. @Braves
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was not only one of baseball’s greatest players, he was also a remarkable American hero, whose perseverance and forbearance in the face of unspeakable racism is a testament to the human spirit. We will miss him.https://t.co/JtGbnOmLnO
— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) January 22, 2021
#NEW Fmr. President George W. Bush: “Laura and I are saddened by the passing of Hank Aaron. The former Home Run King wasn’t handed his throne. He grew up poor and faced racism as he worked to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time...” @CBSDFW
— Jack Fink (@cbs11jack) January 22, 2021
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