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 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

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 baseball's greatest players.

Others born on this day/year

1953: Aaron Marries Barbara Lucas

In 1953, Hank Aaron married Barbara Lucas.

1955: Aaron plays in his first All-Star Game

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

December 15, 1957: Twins Born

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

1958: Married life

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

1959: Aaron Converts to Catholicism

In 1959, Hank Aaron, who was raised a Baptist, converted to Catholicism with his family.

1971: Aaron Divorces Barbara Lucas

In 1971, Hank Aaron divorced Barbara Lucas.

August 1973: Charles Schulz draws Snoopy strips

In August 1973, Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz drew a series of strips in which Snoopy attempts to break Babe Ruth's record, only to be besieged with hate mail.

November 13, 1973: Aaron Marries Billye Suber Williams

On November 13, 1973, Hank Aaron married Billye Suber Williams.

1973: Death Threats During Offseason

During the 1973 offseason, Hank Aaron received death threats and hate mail due to his pursuit of Babe Ruth's 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.

1974: Death Threats During Offseason

During the 1974 offseason, Hank Aaron received death threats and hate mail due to his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record.

1974: Aaron anticipates the 1974 season

In 1974, Hank Aaron expressed his fear of not living to see the upcoming baseball season due to the intense pressure and threats surrounding his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record.

1990: Aaron's Autobiography Published

In 1990, Hank Aaron's autobiography, I Had A Hammer, was published.

1991: Aaron Credits Fr. Michael Sablica

In an interview in 1991, Hank Aaron credited Fr. Michael Sablica with helping him grow as a person in the 1950s and encouraging him to be more publicly vocal about causes he believed in.

June 2000: Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Tufts University

In June 2000, Hank Aaron was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service by Tufts University, recognizing his contributions.

2007: Aaron Sells Dealerships

In 2007, Hank Aaron sold several of his car dealerships, retaining only the Toyota dealership in McDonough.

2011: Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Princeton University

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

July 2013: Aaron's Home Burglarized

In July 2013, Hank Aaron's Atlanta-area home was burglarized, with jewelry and two BMW vehicles stolen.

2014: Aaron Suffers Fall, Has Hip Replacement

In 2014, Hank Aaron suffered a fall and had a partial hip replacement due to arthritis.

December 2020: Phil Niekro's death

Phil Niekro died in December 2020.

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.

2022: Tulane University Gave Posthumous Honorary Degree

In May 2022, Tulane University gave Aaron a posthumous honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, which was accepted on his behalf by his widow Billye.