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 celebrated American professional baseball player. He played 23 seasons in MLB from 1954-1976, primarily with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. He is renowned for breaking Babe Ruth's career home run record and holding it for 33 years with a total of 755. Aaron was a consistent power hitter, hitting at least 24 home runs every year from 1955 to 1973 and is one of two players to hit 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times. He is considered one of baseball's all-time greats.

Sections (5)

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

1949: First MLB Tryout

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

November 20, 1951: Signed with Indianapolis Clowns

On November 20, 1951, Henry Louis Aaron signed a contract with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League.

June 12, 1952: Signed with Braves

On June 12, 1952, Henry Louis Aaron signed with Braves' scout Dewey Griggs. During this time, he picked up the nickname "pork chops".

1952: Assigned to Eau Claire Bears

In 1952, the Braves assigned Henry Louis Aaron to the Eau Claire Bears, their Northern League Class-C farm team. He made the Northern League's All-Star team and was named Rookie of the Year.

1953: Played for the Jacksonville Braves

In 1953, Henry Louis Aaron played for the Jacksonville Braves, the Braves' Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League. Aaron led the league in multiple categories and won the league's Most Valuable Player Award.

March 13, 1954: Bobby Thomson Fractured Ankle

On March 13, 1954, Milwaukee Braves left fielder Bobby Thomson fractured his ankle while sliding into second base during a spring training game. The next day, Aaron made his first spring training start for the Braves major league team, playing in left field and hitting a home run.

1954: Joined Major League Baseball

In 1954, Henry Louis Aaron began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, playing as a right fielder. He played for 23 seasons, starting in 1954.

1955: Started Yearly Home Run Streak

From 1955, Henry Louis Aaron hit 24 or more home runs every year. This occurred from 1955 through 1973.

1955: Aaron plays in his first All-Star Game

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

1955: Named to NL All-Star Roster

In 1955, Henry Louis Aaron was named to the NL All-Star roster for the first time, the first of a record 21 All-Star selections.

1956: Won First NL Batting Title

In 1956, Henry Louis 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: Home Run Clinched Pennant

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

1957: Aaron in the World Series

Hank Aaron played in the 1957 World Series.

1958: Braves lost World Series

In 1958, Henry Louis Aaron led the Braves to another pennant, but they lost a seven-game World Series to the Yankees.

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

On June 21, 1959, against the San Francisco Giants, Henry Louis 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: 100+ RBIs

Hank Aaron had 100+ RBIs in the 1959 season.

1963: Nearly Won Triple Crown

In 1963, Henry Louis Aaron nearly won the triple crown. He led the league with 44 home runs and 130 RBI and finished third in batting average.

1965: Braves Moved to Atlanta

In 1965, the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

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

On May 10, 1967, Henry Louis Aaron hit an inside-the-park home run against Jim Bunning in Philadelphia. It was the only inside-the-park home run of his career.

July 14, 1968: Hit 500th Career Home Run

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

1968: Hit 500th Career Home Run

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

July 31, 1969: Passed Mickey Mantle's Home Run Total

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

1969: Aaron in the NLCS

Hank Aaron played in the 1969 NLCS.

1970: Collected 3,000th Hit

In 1970, Henry Louis Aaron collected his 3,000th hit, in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, and established the record for most seasons with thirty or more home runs in the National League.

1970: Reached 3,000 Career Hits

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

April 27, 1971: Hit 600th Career Home Run

On April 27, 1971, Henry Louis Aaron hit his 600th career home run, the third major league player ever to do so.

1972: Passed Willie Mays for Second Place in Home Runs

During the strike-shortened season of 1972, Henry Louis Aaron tied and then surpassed Willie Mays for second place on the career home run list. He also drove in the 2,000th run of his career and 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 home run, leaving him one short of tying Babe Ruth's record with one game left in the season.

1973: Chase to Surpass Babe Ruth

During the summer of 1973, the baseball enthusiasts and the national media grew increasingly excited as Henry Louis Aaron closed in on Babe Ruth's 714 career home runs record. Aaron received thousands of letters every week, including hate mail.

1973: Ended Yearly Home Run Streak

In 1973, Henry Louis Aaron ended his yearly streak of hitting 24 or more home runs. This streak occurred from 1955 through 1973.

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

On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth's home run record of 714 in Cincinnati, hitting a home run in his first at-bat of the season.

April 8, 1974: Aaron Breaks Home Run Record

On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta, breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record.

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

On October 2, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 733rd home run in his last at-bat as a player for the Atlanta Braves and considered retirement.

May 1, 1975: Aaron Breaks RBI Record

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

July 20, 1976: Aaron Hits 755th and Final Home Run

On July 20, 1976, Hank Aaron hit his 755th and final home run at Milwaukee County Stadium.

1976: Aaron Rejoins Braves as Executive

After the 1976 season, Hank Aaron rejoined the Atlanta Braves as an executive.

1976: Retired from MLB

In 1976, Henry Louis Aaron retired from Major League Baseball (MLB) after playing for 23 seasons, from 1954 through 1976.

December 1980: Aaron Becomes Senior Vice President

In December 1980, Hank Aaron became senior vice president and assistant to the Braves' president.

1994: Aaron Establishes Chasing the Dream Foundation

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

1999: Hank Aaron Award Created by MLB

In 1999, Major League Baseball created the Hank Aaron Award to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Aaron's surpassing of Babe Ruth's home run record and to honor Aaron's contributions to baseball.

July 2000: Threw First Pitch at MLB All-Star Game

In July 2000, Hank Aaron threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which was played at Turner Field.

July 2002: Threw First Pitch at MLB All-Star Game

In July 2002, Hank Aaron once again threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, played at Miller Park now named American Family Field.

January 21, 2007: MLB Announces Sale of Braves

On January 21, 2007, Major League Baseball announced the sale of the Atlanta Braves and that Aaron would play a major role in the management of the Braves and baseball.

August 7, 2007: Aaron Congratulates Bonds on Breaking Record

On August 7, 2007, after Barry Bonds hit his 756th home run, Hank Aaron made a surprise appearance on the JumboTron to congratulate Bonds on his accomplishment.

2007: Home Run Record Surpassed

In 2007, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron's career home run record of 755, which Aaron held for 33 years, since 1976.

2010: 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.

2019: Elite Development Invitational Renamed Hank Aaron Invitational

In 2019, the Elite Development Invitational, a youth baseball tournament, was renamed the Hank Aaron Invitational to increase diversity in the sport.

January 5, 2021: Aaron Publicly Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

On January 5, 2021, Hank Aaron publicly received a COVID-19 vaccination to demonstrate its safety and encourage other Black Americans to do the same.

April 2021: Forrest Hill Academy Renamed Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy

In April 2021, the Forrest Hill Academy was renamed the Hank Aaron New Beginnings Academy, honoring his legacy by replacing a name associated with the Confederacy.