On today in historical past, July 14, 1968, Atlanta Braves legend Henry “Hank” Aaron hit the five hundredth house run of his record-breaking profession in a 4-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.
With 499 profession house runs beneath his belt, Aaron hit a three-run shot within the third inning of the sport off Giants’ pitcher Mike McCormick, famous Historical past.com.
“Aaron was mobbed at house plate by his teammates and introduced with an award by Braves President Invoice Bartholomay for reaching 500 house runs,” the identical supply famous.
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Born on Feb. 5, 1934, in Cellular, Alabama, Henry Aaron exhibited athletic prowess in his youth.
He was a star soccer participant, third baseman and outfielder in highschool.
He signed with the Negro League’s Cellular Black Bears whereas nonetheless a youngster, recounted Historical past.com.
Aaron joined the Indianapolis Clowns in 1952 at age 18 and assisted the workforce in profitable the Negro League World Collection.
The next yr, Aaron’s contract was offered to the Milwaukee Braves of the Nationwide League, the identical supply indicated.
“On April 13, 1954, Aaron grew to become the final former Negro League participant to make his debut within the main leagues,” mentioned Historical past.com.
It wasn’t till 1973 that Aaron was thrust into the nationwide highlight as he neared the end of a profitable assault on one in every of sport’s most cherished information: Babe Ruth’s mark of 714 house runs.
Many baseball historians imagine 1957 was arguably Aaron’s finest season.
“He hit .322 that yr with 44 house runs and 132 RBIs, captured the Nationwide League MVP Award and led the Braves to their first World Collection Championship since 1914,” famous the identical supply.
Aaron additionally went on to hit 203 house runs between 1969 and 1973, mentioned Historical past.com.
Regardless of his constant manufacturing, it wasn’t till 1973 that Aaron was thrust into the nationwide highlight as he neared the end of a profitable assault on one in every of sport’s most cherished information: Babe Ruth’s mark of 714 house runs, in accordance with the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame.
“It was on April 8, 1974, that Hammerin’ Hank despatched a 1-0 pitch from Dodgers hurler Al Downing into the left subject bullpen at Atlanta-Fulton Depend Stadium, giving Aaron 715 profession house runs,” recounted the identical supply.
Aaron would end his profession with 755 house runs.
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He stays baseball’s all-time chief in RBIs (2,297) and whole bases (6,856).
Aaron’s house run file stood till the 2007 season, which ended when Barry Bonds hit his 756th profession house run.
It was shortly after Hank Aaron’s record-breaking house run that Rep. Andrew Younger, Democrat of Georgia, declared, “By means of his lengthy profession, Hank Aaron has been a mannequin of humility, dignity and quiet competence. He didn’t search the adoration that’s accorded to different nationwide athletic heroes, but he has now earned it,” in accordance with the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame.
After the 1974 season, Aaron was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, who have been at the moment within the American League, in accordance with Britannica.com.
He retired following the 1976 season and rejoined the Atlanta Braves as an government, the identical supply mentioned.
All through his 23-year profession, “Hammerin’ Hank” was a slugging powerhouse, famous the Smithsonian Establishment.
Aaron not solely held the house run file but additionally the information for at-bats, whole bases, extra-base hits and runs batted in, the identical supply recounted.
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Along with beating and reaching house run information, here’s a abstract of Aaron’s different baseball achievements, per the Smithsonian Establishment.
- 755 profession house runs
- Information: at bats (12,364); whole bases (6,856); hits (3,771); additional base hits (1,477); RBIs (2,297); video games performed (3,298)
- Nationwide League MVP, 1957
- 3 Gold Glove awards, 1958-1960
- 24 All-Star recreation appearances
- One among first African Individuals to work in baseball administration
Aaron was elected to the Baseball Corridor of Fame on Jan. 13, 1982.
In 2002, he was introduced with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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The plaque within the Nationwide Baseball Corridor of Fame reads, “Hit 755 house runs in 23-year profession to change into Majors’ all-time homer king. Had 20 or extra for 20 consecutive years, no less than 30 in 15 seasons and 40 or higher eight occasions. Additionally set information for video games performed (3,298), at-bats (12,364), lengthy hits (1,477), whole bases (6,856), runs batted in (2,297). Paced N.L. in batting twice and homers, runs batted in and slugging pct. 4 occasions every. Received Most Useful Participant Award in N.L. in 1957.”
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In 2010, the Hank Aaron Childhood House and Museum opened on the grounds of Hank Aaron Stadium, the house of Cellular, Alabama’s minor league baseball workforce, mentioned Britannica.com.
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He handed away on Jan. 22, 2021, at age 86.