Hammerin' Hank — the all-time home run record holder for 33 years, who broke Babe Ruth's record while enduring racist death threats, displaying extraordinary courage under pressure.
Henry Louis Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1934 and debuted for the Milwaukee Braves in 1954. His career produced 755 home runs — the all-time record from 1974 until Barry Bonds in 2007. He broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 on April 8, 1974 despite death threats requiring FBI protection. He never hit more than 47 home runs in a season but hit 30 or more for 15 consecutive seasons. He drove in 2,297 runs — the all-time record. He won three Gold Gloves and two batting titles. He won the World Series with the Braves in 1957. He was a 25-time All-Star. He died in January 2021 aged 86. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. His courage pursuing the record while facing racial hostility is one of sport's great examples of dignity.
Breaking Babe Ruth's home run record, hitting 755 career home runs
How They Played
Powerful right-handed hitter with exceptional consistency and longevity
Lasting Impact
One of baseball's greatest hitters and civil rights pioneer
World Series Champion 1957
He received so many death threats as he approached Ruth's record that the FBI assigned him a security detail — making him one of the most threatened athletes in American history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- World Series Champion 1957
- 3x Gold Glove
- NL MVP 1957
- 755 career home runs