Last Updated: April 29th, 2024 by Michael Schatz
Hank Aaron etched his place on baseball’s Mouth Rushmore long ago. He did so with his talent, sportsmanship, leadership and perseverance. Hammerin’ Hank is baseball royalty and the things he accomplished over two decades in the league are astonishing.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the moments and achievements that made Hank Aaron one of the best to ever do it.
1954 Major League Debut and Rookie Sensation
Hank Aaron hit the ground running in his 1954 debut with the Milwaukee Braves, instantly proving he was no ordinary rookie. At just 20 years old, he hit .280 with 13 home runs and 69 RBIs. His fantastic debut set the stage for the Hall of Fame career that would follow.
1957 National League MVP and World Series Champion
In 1957, Hank Aaron was named the National League MVP after finishing the year with a .322 average, 44 home runs and 132 RBIs. He would lead the Braves to a World Series title that same year. All he did during that 7 game series was hit .393 with 3 home runs, 7 RBIs and a ridiculous .786 slugging percentage.
Not Just a Power Hitter: 1958 Gold Glove Award
Hank Aaron proved he was more than a feared hitter when he took home his first Gold Glove Award in 1958. All in all, Aaron would finish with 3 Gold Gloves.
1955-1973: 20 Consecutive Seasons of 20+ Home Runs
During a span from 1955 to 1973, Hank Aaron accomplished something few in baseball have: he hit 20 or more home runs in 20 consecutive seasons. This incredible streak not only highlights his unwavering power at the plate but also his consistency and durability as a player.
Career .300 Hitter
Hank Aaron is known for hitting home runs. But he was also one of the best overall hitters in the game. He won two batting titles (1956, 1959) and ended his career with a .305 average.
25 All-Star Selections
Hank Aaron proved his place amongst the game’s best and brightest with his 25 All-Star selections from 1955 to 1975. His 25 appearances are the all-time record. He was able to reach 25 selections because the All-Star Game was played twice annually from 1959 to 1962.
1970: 3,000th Career Hit Achievement
On May 17, 1970, Hank Aaron cemented his place in baseball history by notching his 3,000th career hit in the second game of a double-heard against the Reds. He would later add his 570th home run in that same game.
When his storied career finally ended, Aaron had collected an impressive 3,771 hits, which is still third on the all-time list.
Breaking Babe Ruth’s Career Home Run Record in 1974
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run, surpassing Babe Ruth’s record and making baseball history. It happened in Atlanta in front of a home crowd, an iconic moment etched in the memories of baseball fans everywhere. The significance of this feat, achieved amid racial tensions and enduring threats, highlighted Aaron’s resilience and solidified his status as a legend in the sport.
Off-Field Impact and Legacy
Hank Aaron’s legacy extends far beyond his incredible achievements on the field, making a profound impact off the diamond that resonates with fans and communities alike. After hanging up his cleats, Aaron dedicated himself to civil rights and youth development, using his platform to push for equality and opportunities for the underprivileged. He’s remembered not just as a home run king, but as a champion for change who inspired countless individuals to strive for their dreams regardless of the obstacles in their way.
Hall of Fame Induction in 1982
Hank Aaron’s stellar career received its crowning recognition when he entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. He was elected in his first year of eligibility with an overwhelming 97.8% of the vote. Aaron’s induction celebrated a career filled with perseverance, skill, and a trailblazing spirit that left an indelible mark on the world of baseball.
Hank Aaron Award Introduction in 1999
In 1999, Major League Baseball introduced the Hank Aaron Award to honor the legacy of one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. It’s awarded annually to the top offensive players in the American and National Leagues, recognizing those who best embody Aaron’s exceptional ability at the plate. This award, symbolizing excellence in batting, not only commemorates Aaron’s impact on baseball but also keeps his spirit alive in the game, highlighting players who carry on his legacy of hitting prowess.