How Hank Aaron Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Hank Aaron continue to shape the world today.

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

1936: Inaugural Hall of Fame election

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

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.

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.

August 1, 1982: Aaron Inducted into Hall of Fame

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

1990: Aaron's Autobiography Published

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.