Hank Aaron

Right Fielder

Class of 1982

Hank Aaron

Right Fielder

Class of 1982
Hank Aaron's consistent excellence on the field was overshadowed by the dignity and grace he exemplified throughout his career.

Games

Birth year

About Hank Aaron

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali once called Hank Aaron “The only man I idolize more than myself. ” For many, Aaron was everything an athlete – and a human being – should be. Aaron grew up in humble surroundings in Mobile, Ala. He passed through the sandlots with brief stops in the Negro Leagues and the minor leagues before he settled in with the Braves, where he ultimately became one of baseball’s most iconic figures. He was a consistent producer both at the plate and in the field, reaching the .300 mark in batting 14 times, 30 home runs 15 times, 90 RBI 16 times and captured three Gold Glove Awards en-route to 25 All-Star Game selections. Nineteen fifty-seven was arguably Aaron’s best season. He hit .322 that year with 44 home runs and 132 RBI, captured the National League MVP Award and led the Braves to their first World Series Championship since 1914. Despite his consistent production, it wasn’t until 1973 that Aaron was thrust into the national spotlight as he neared the finish of a successful assault on one of sport’s most cherished records: Babe Ruth’s mark of 714 home runs. It was on April 8, 1974, that Hammerin’ Hank sent a 1-0 pitch from Dodgers hurler Al Downing into the left field bullpen at Atlanta-Fulton Count Stadium, giving Aaron 715 career home runs. He would finish his career with 755. Aaron remains baseball's all-time leader in RBI (2,297) and total bases (6,856). If each of his 755 home runs were removed from his statistical record, Aaron would still have 3,016 hits. It was shortly after Hank Aaron’s record-breaking home run that Georgia congressman Andrew Young declared: “Through his long career, Hank Aaron has been a model of humility, dignity, and quiet competence. He did not seek the adoration that is accorded to other national athletic heroes, yet he has now earned it.” Aaron was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. He passed away on Jan. 22, 2021.

The Basics

Year inducted
1982
Birth Place
Mobile, Alabama
Birth Year
1934
Died
2021, Atlanta Georgia

Career at a Glance

Primary Team
Milwaukee Braves
Primary Position
Right Fielder
Played For
Milwaukee Braves, 1954-1965
Atlanta Braves, 1966-1974
Milwaukee Brewers, 1975-1976

Career MLB Stats

Games
3,298
At bats
12,364
Hits
3,771
Walks
1,402
Runs
2,174
Doubles
624
Triples
98
Home Runs
755
RBI
2,297
Stolen Bases
240
Batting Average
.305
Ops
.928
On Base %
.374
Slugging %
.555

Hank Aaron Stories

Explore the archives and go deep into the lives, careers, and stories of the Hall of Fame's honorees.

#Shortstops: Hank Aaron’s influence

Hank Aaron collects RBI single in his final big league at-bat

Henry Aaron hits home run No. 715

Hank Aaron’s consistent brilliance made him an icon

Hank Aaron makes his big league debut

Aaron, Robinson elected to Hall of Fame

Aaron edges Musial, Schoendienst for 1957 NL MVP

Aaron begins decade of milestones with 3,000th hit

755 homers – and one that didn’t clear the fence