Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Hank Aaron

Discover the career path of Hank Aaron, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Hank Aaron, nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank," was a legendary baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in MLB (1954-1976). Primarily with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, he later played for the Milwaukee Brewers. Widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest, Aaron held numerous career power-hitting records upon retirement. Most notably, he surpassed Babe Ruth's career home run record, holding the title for 33 years with 755 home runs until Barry Bonds broke the record in 2007. He consistently hit 24+ home runs annually from 1955-1973 and was one of two players to hit 30+ home runs in at least 15 seasons.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1949: Tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1949, at the age of 15, Hank Aaron had his first tryout with an MLB franchise, the Brooklyn Dodgers; however, he did not make the team.

November 20, 1951: Signed with the Indianapolis Clowns

On November 20, 1951, baseball scout Ed Scott signed Hank Aaron to a contract on behalf of the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League, where he played for three months.

June 12, 1952: Signed with Braves Scout Dewey Griggs

On June 12, 1952, Hank Aaron signed with Braves' scout Dewey Griggs after the Braves purchased Aaron's contract from the Clowns for $10,000.

1952: Assigned to Eau Claire Bears and Named Rookie of the Year

In 1952, Hank Aaron was assigned to the Eau Claire Bears, the Braves' Northern League Class-C farm team. By the end of the season, he was named the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year.

1953: Won South Atlantic League Championship and MVP Award

In 1953, Hank Aaron helped the Jacksonville Braves win the South Atlantic League championship. He also won the league's Most Valuable Player Award.

1953: Winter League in Puerto Rico

In 1953, Hank Aaron spent the winter playing in Puerto Rico, where Mickey Owen helped him with his batting stance and transition from second base to the outfield.

1955: First All-Star Game

In 1955, Hank Aaron played in his first All-Star Game before a home crowd at Milwaukee County Stadium.

1955: Named to NL All-Star Roster

In 1955, Hank Aaron was named to the NL All-Star roster for the first time, marking the first of a record 21 All-Star selections and first of a record 25 All-Star Game appearances.

1956: Captured First NL Batting Title

In 1956, Hank Aaron hit .328 and captured the first of two NL batting titles. He was also named The Sporting News NL Player of the Year.

September 23, 1957: Clinched Pennant with Walk-Off Home Run

On September 23, 1957, Hank Aaron hit a two-run walk-off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in Milwaukee, clinching the pennant for the Braves.

1957: Aaron participates in the World Series

In 1957, Hank Aaron participated in the World Series, contributing to the Braves' performance in the championship series.

1957: Won NL MVP and World Series

In 1957, Hank Aaron won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, and the Milwaukee Braves won the World Series.

1958: Led Braves to Another Pennant

In 1958, Hank Aaron hit .326 with 30 home runs and 95 RBI in 153 games. He led the Braves to another pennant.

June 21, 1959: Hit Three Home Runs in a Game

On June 21, 1959, against the San Francisco Giants, Hank Aaron hit three two-run home runs. It was the only time in his career that he hit three home runs in a game.

1959: Start of five consecutive seasons with 100+ RBIs

In 1959, Aaron began a streak of five consecutive seasons with 100 or more RBIs, highlighting his consistent performance and contribution to the team.

1963: Nearly Won Triple Crown

In 1963, Hank Aaron nearly won the triple crown, leading the league with 44 home runs and 130 RBI and finishing third in batting average (.319).

May 10, 1967: Hit Inside-The-Park Home Run

On May 10, 1967, Hank Aaron hit an inside-the-park home run against Jim Bunning in Philadelphia, marking the only one of his career.

July 14, 1968: Hit 500th Career Home Run

On July 14, 1968, Hank Aaron hit his 500th career home run against Mike McCormick of the San Francisco Giants.

1968: Hit 500th Career Home Run

In 1968, Hank Aaron was the first Atlanta Braves player to hit his 500th career home run.

July 31, 1969: Passed Mickey Mantle on Career Home Run List

On July 31, 1969, Hank Aaron hit his 537th home run, passing Mickey Mantle's total, moving Aaron into third place on the career home run list.

1969: Aaron participates in the NLCS

In 1969, Hank Aaron participated in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), contributing to the Braves' performance in the series.

1970: Reached 3,000 Career Hits

In 1970, Hank Aaron was the first Atlanta Brave to reach 3,000 career hits.

1970: Collected 3,000th Hit

In 1970, on May 17, Hank Aaron collected his 3,000th hit in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Aaron also established the record for most seasons with thirty or more home runs in the National League.

April 27, 1971: Hit 600th Career Home Run

On April 27, 1971, Hank Aaron hit his 600th career home run, becoming the third major league player ever to reach the milestone.

1972: Broke Stan Musial's Record

During the strike-shortened season of 1972, Hank Aaron tied and then surpassed Willie Mays for second place on the career home run list. Aaron also drove in the 2,000th run of his career and hit a home run in the first All-Star game played in Atlanta. As the year came to a close, Aaron broke Stan Musial's major-league record for total bases (6,134).

September 29, 1973: Aaron hits home run number 713

On September 29, 1973, Hank Aaron hit his 713th career home run, leaving him one short of Babe Ruth's record with one game remaining in the season.

1973: Aaron ends the season one home run short of the record.

In 1973, Aaron ended the season one home run short of Babe Ruth's record, after hitting his 713th home run on September 29, 1973, and failing to tie the record in his final game against the Houston Astros.

1973: Chasing Babe Ruth's Record

In 1973, Hank Aaron's pursuit of Babe Ruth's career home run record intensified, drawing increased media attention and excitement. Despite downplaying the chase himself, Aaron received thousands of letters weekly, including hate mail, requiring assistance from a Braves secretary to manage the volume of correspondence.

April 4, 1974: Aaron Ties Babe Ruth's Record

On April 4, 1974, in his first at-bat of the season against the Cincinnati Reds, Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth's home run record with his first swing off pitcher Jack Billingham.

April 8, 1974: Aaron Hits Home Run 715

On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers, surpassing Babe Ruth's record in front of 53,775 fans in Atlanta and a national TV audience, marking a historic moment in baseball.

October 2, 1974: Aaron's Last At-Bat as a Brave

On October 2, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 733rd home run in his final at-bat as a player for the Atlanta Braves. Aaron then expressed a willingness to return to baseball for another year and an interest in a general manager position.

May 1, 1975: Aaron Breaks All-Time RBI Record

On May 1, 1975, Hank Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth's all-time RBI record of 2,213.

July 20, 1976: Aaron hits his 755th and final home run

On July 20, 1976, Hank Aaron hit his 755th and final career home run at Milwaukee County Stadium off Dick Drago of the California Angels.

1976: Aaron rejoins the Braves as an executive

After the 1976 season, Hank Aaron rejoined the Braves organization as an executive, marking the beginning of his post-playing career.

December 1980: Aaron Becomes Senior Vice President for the Braves

In December 1980, Hank Aaron was appointed as the senior vice president and assistant to the president of the Atlanta Braves.

1994: Establishment of Chasing the Dream Foundation

In 1994, Hank Aaron and his wife established the Chasing the Dream Foundation, awarding the Hank Aaron Chasing The Dream Scholarship to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

1999: Major League Baseball Creates Hank Aaron Award

In 1999, Major League Baseball established the Hank Aaron Award to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Aaron surpassing Babe Ruth's home run record and to honor Aaron's contributions to baseball. The award is given annually to the most effective hitters in each league.

January 21, 2007: MLB Announces Sale of Atlanta Braves

On January 21, 2007, Major League Baseball announced the sale of the Atlanta Braves, with Commissioner Bud Selig stating that Hank Aaron would play a major role in the management of the Braves and in encouraging minority involvement in baseball.

August 7, 2007: Aaron Congratulates Bonds

On August 7, 2007, after Barry Bonds broke his home run record, Hank Aaron appeared on the JumboTron at AT&T Park in San Francisco to congratulate Bonds on his accomplishment.

2010: Aaron Named Georgia Trustee

In 2010, Hank Aaron was named a Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society, in conjunction with the Governor of Georgia, to recognize accomplishments and community service.

January 5, 2021: Hank Aaron Receives COVID-19 Vaccination

On January 5, 2021, Hank Aaron publicly received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He, along with other Black American figures, aimed to demonstrate the vaccine's safety and encourage other Black Americans to get vaccinated.