History of Hank Aaron in Timeline

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

1936: Inaugural Hall of Fame election

Ty Cobb received votes on 98.2% of the ballot in the inaugural 1936 Hall of Fame election.

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: Aaron Marries Barbara Lucas

In 1953, Hank Aaron married Barbara Lucas.

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.

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.

1957: Aaron in the World Series

Hank Aaron played in the 1957 World Series.

1957: Won World Series and MVP Award

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

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.

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.

1959: Aaron Converts to Catholicism

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

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.

1971: Aaron Divorces Barbara Lucas

In 1971, Hank Aaron divorced Barbara Lucas.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1974: Aaron Hopes Record Inspires Others

In 1974, Hank Aaron expressed his hope that breaking the home run record would inspire others to chase their own dreams.

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: Awarded the Spingarn Medal

In 1976, Hank Aaron was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, recognizing his achievements and contributions.

1976: Retired from MLB

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

1977: Received Golden Plate Award

In 1977, Hank Aaron received the American Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award, honoring his accomplishments.

December 1980: Aaron Becomes Senior Vice President

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

August 1, 1982: Aaron Inducted into Hall of Fame

On August 1, 1982, Hank Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

1982: Inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame

In 1982, Henry Louis Aaron was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

1986: Aaron Makes Guest Appearance

In 1986, Hank Aaron made a guest appearance in "Just Another Fox in the Crowd", episode 30 of Crazy Like a Fox.

1988: Inducted into Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame

In 1988, Hank Aaron was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame for his time spent on the Eau Claire Bears, Milwaukee Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers.

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.

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.

April 1997: Hank Aaron Stadium Named in Mobile, Alabama

In April 1997, a new baseball facility for the AA Mobile Bay Bears, constructed in Hank Aaron's hometown of Mobile, Alabama, was named Hank Aaron Stadium, honoring his legacy.

February 5, 1999: Hank Aaron Award Introduced

On February 5, 1999, Major League Baseball announced the introduction of the Hank Aaron Award at his 65th birthday celebration, honoring the best offensive performer in each league.

1999: Hank Aaron Award Introduced

In 1999, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award to recognize the top offensive players in each league. In 1999, he was also elected to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

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.

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.

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.

January 8, 2001: Presented with Presidential Citizens Medal

On January 8, 2001, Hank Aaron was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton, honoring his contributions to the nation.

June 2002: Received Presidential Medal of Freedom

In June 2002, Hank Aaron received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush, recognizing his extraordinary achievements.

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.

2002: Aaron Appears in Super Bowl Commercial

In 2002, Hank Aaron appeared in a television commercial with Barry Bonds that aired during Super Bowl XXXVI.

2002: Honored with Lombardi Award of Excellence

In 2002, Hank Aaron was honored with the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, recognizing his embodiment of Lombardi's spirit.

2002: Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2002, Henry Louis Aaron was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2002: Listed Among 100 Greatest African Americans

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante included Hank Aaron in his list of the 100 Greatest African Americans, recognizing his impact and achievements.

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: Aaron's Home Run Record Broken

In 2007, Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's MLB career home run record of 755, which had stood for 31 years.

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.

2007: Aaron Sells Dealerships

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

April 25, 2009: Dedicated "Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream" Exhibit

On April 25, 2009, Hank Aaron dedicated the new exhibit "Hank Aaron: Chasing the Dream" at the Baseball Hall of Fame, celebrating his life and career.

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.

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.

November 2015: Recipient of Portrait of a Nation Prize

In November 2015, Hank Aaron was one of the five inaugural recipients of the Portrait of a Nation Prize, granted by the National Portrait Gallery for exemplary achievements.

January 2016: Received Order of the Rising Sun Award

In January 2016, Hank Aaron received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from Akihito, the Emperor of Japan.

2017: Georgia State Rebuilds Stadium

In 2017, Georgia State University acquired Turner Field and rebuilt it as Center Parc Stadium, with plans to build a new baseball park incorporating the left field wall where Aaron hit his record-breaking home run.

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.

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.

January 22, 2021: Henry Louis Aaron Death

On January 22, 2021, Henry Louis Aaron passed away near Atlanta. He was a baseball legend.

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.

2021: Atlanta Teams Retired No. 44

After Aaron's death, in 2021, the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and Gwinnett County minor league baseball teams retired his No. 44 in his honor.

2021: Braves Honor Aaron During World Series

During the 2021 World Series, the Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron in a pregame ceremony and in the design of their championship ring.

2021: Braves Honor Aaron and Niekro

During the 2021 season, the Atlanta Braves honored Hank Aaron and Phil Niekro by including their jersey numbers on team caps and painting Aaron's number at Truist Park.

2021: Death

In 2021, Henry Louis Aaron passed away, he resided near Atlanta until his death.

2022: WSB Broadcast Selected for National Recording Registry

In 2022, a recording of the WSB broadcast of the April 8, 1974 game, in which Aaron hit his 715th home run, was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation.

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.