Hank Aaron , home run king, has passed away

[looooob]

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/...s-passed-away/


I realize the mantle officially is no longer his, but no disputing he was one of the inner circle elites- just heard an interview with former teammate Darrel Evans about Hammerin' Hank a few days ago (coincidentally) arguing that if anything his legacy is under-rated and also an amazing guy


this continues a particularly brutal run of passings in MLB legends

[transplant99]

Really sad news.

Again the term "legend" gets overused a lot. Not in this case.

I was 11 years old and able to watch the game where he hit #715. Unforgettable that anyone, and nevermind a black guy, could pass the Babe.

He was not only a great player, but a better human being and as humble as they get.

Rest well Hank, you have earned every bit of it.

[transplant99]

And of course it was Vin Scully on the call....

https://twitter.com/user/status/1352648870254301186

[transplant99]

Yup.

Chipper Jones
@RealCJ10
I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant.....but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron!

[nik-]

Originally Posted by transplant99

And of course it was Vin Scully on the call....

https://twitter.com/user/status/1352648870254301186

What a guy. Talk about a subdued celebration.

[looooob]

Originally Posted by transplant99

And of course it was Vin Scully on the call....

https://twitter.com/user/status/1352648870254301186

ok first of all how great is Vin Scully, I mean, man

second they have that graphic up while he's stepping up to the plate- at that point he had hit over 500 home runs against RIGHT HANDers


The Evans story the other day was really great. in 73 Aaron, Evans and Davey Johnson had each hit over 40 homers- a record, and Aaron always made note that to him (whether he really meant it or not ) that that was more important than his personal chase and he wanted to ensure all of his teammates shared the glory. of course he ended 1973 just shy of the record so a long (and strained) lead up in the offseason. Evans batted in front of Aaron and he did say to himself that day that he didn't want to hit a homer himself (Evans) as he would have rather been on base for the big moment- which he was!

[troutman]

What a legend! RIP.

"A Black Man is getting a standing ovation in the Deep South."

[Sylvanfan]

He is definitely before my time, but always conducted himself with the utmost class. Even the way he handled Bonds breaking his record and the all the Controversy around him is something few could do. I remember Aaron as the real Home Run King, but more importantly I will remember him as a true Gentleman. RIP to one of the greats, not only inside the lines, but outside the lines as well.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Definitely a bit before my time as well, he retired about a decade before I was on this earth, but having grown up loving baseball it’s hard to ignore the significance of Hank Aaron who will likely always be one of the greatest to ever play the game. He did it the only way he knew how, by being excellent at what he does but mostly by being a great teammate and a great person. The world needs more Hank Aarons.

[looooob]

Most total bases in MLB history , and its not even really that close
https://www.baseball-reference.com/l...B_career.shtml


yet the next two guys are either a partial (Musial) or total (Mays) contemporary , I think reasons like this are why he didn't garner even more attention or MVP votes- lots of talent as his position (OF generically) over his career- including also Robinson and Clemente in the NL, Mantle, later Yaz , Kaline etc in the AL

[troutman]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1352664395432792065