Early Life and Education of Hank Aaron: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Hank Aaron. A timeline of key moments.

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

February 5, 1934: Henry Louis Aaron Born

On February 5, 1934, Henry Louis Aaron, later nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was born. He would become one of the greatest baseball players in history.

Others born on this day/year

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.

1953: Marriage to Barbara Lucas

In 1953, Hank Aaron married Barbara Lucas, with whom he had five children: Gary, Lary, Dorinda, Gaile, and Hank Jr.

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.

December 15, 1957: Birth of Twins

On December 15, 1957, Hank Aaron's wife Barbara gave birth to twins, two days later, one of the children died.

1958: Wife Noted Aaron's Interests

In 1958, Hank Aaron's wife, Barbara Lucas, noted that during the off-season he liked "to sit and watch those shooting westerns". He also enjoyed cooking and fishing.

1959: Conversion to Catholicism

In 1959, at the age of 25, Hank Aaron, along with his family, converted to Catholicism, influenced by the birth of their first child and a friendship with a priest.

The Imitation of Christ

Check it on Amazon

1965: Braves Moved to Atlanta

In 1965, the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta.

1971: Divorce from Barbara Lucas

In 1971, Hank Aaron divorced Barbara Lucas, ending their marriage of several years during which they had five children together.

August 1973: Public Support and Recognition

In August 1973, Hank Aaron received an outpouring of public support against bigotry, exemplified by Charles Schulz's Peanuts comic strip addressing hate mail. Babe Ruth's widow, Claire, also denounced the racism and supported Aaron's pursuit of the home run record.

November 13, 1973: Marriage to Billye Suber Williams

On November 13, 1973, Hank Aaron married Billye Suber Williams, starting a new chapter in his personal life.

1973: Hate Mail and Death Threats

During the 1973-1974 offseason, Hank Aaron was subjected to death threats and hate mail due to his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record. This harassment also extended to journalists providing positive coverage of Aaron.

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.

1974: Aaron fears he won't live to see the 1974 season.

After his final game in 1973, Aaron expressed his fear that he might not live to see the 1974 season, highlighting the intense pressure and threats he faced during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record.

1974: Hate Mail and Death Threats

1986: Guest Appearance on Crazy Like a Fox

In 1986, Hank Aaron made a guest appearance in an episode of the television show "Crazy Like a Fox", titled "Just Another Fox in the Crowd".

Loading Video...

1990: Publication of I Had A Hammer

In 1990, Hank Aaron's autobiography, "I Had A Hammer", co-written with Lonnie Wheeler, was published and became a finalist for the Casey Award, offering insights into his life and career.

I Had a Hammer: The Hank Aaron Story

Check it on Amazon

1991: Aaron credits Fr. Michael Sablica with helping him grow.

In a 1991 interview, Aaron credited Fr. Michael Sablica with helping him grow as a person in the 1950s, influencing his personal development and encouraging him to speak out about causes he believed in.

June 2000: Tufts University Awards Honorary Degree to Aaron

In June 2000, Tufts University awarded Hank Aaron an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree.

2002: Television Commercial with Barry Bonds

In 2002, Hank Aaron appeared in a television commercial with Barry Bonds during Super Bowl XXXVI, jokingly trying to persuade Bonds to retire before breaking his record.

2007: Aaron Sells Dealerships

In 2007, Hank Aaron sold all but his Toyota dealership in McDonough as part of the Hank Aaron Automotive Group, marking a change in his business ventures.

2011: Princeton University Awards Honorary Degree to Aaron

In 2011, the President of Princeton University, Shirley M. Tilghman, awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree to Hank Aaron.

July 2013: Aaron's Home Burglarized

In July 2013, media reported that Hank Aaron's home in the Atlanta area was burglarized, with jewelry and two BMW vehicles stolen, though the cars were later recovered.

2014: Hip Replacement Surgery

In 2014, Hank Aaron underwent a partial hip replacement following a fall, addressing his arthritis and mobility issues.

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.

January 22, 2021: Death of Henry Louis Aaron

On January 22, 2021, Henry Louis Aaron, nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", passed away near Atlanta. He was considered one of the greatest baseball players in history.