Hank Aaron: Little Known Facts About One of Baseball's Greatest

Exploring Aaron's History with the Game Both on the Field and on the Record Books

Aimee E, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 31, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

While many people know that Hank Aaron is currently the leader in all time American baseball home runs, there are other facts, both well known, and lesser known about this baseball great. Aaron, along with his brother Tommie, holds the record for the most home runs by a team of brothers in baseball. Aaron's career began early in 1952 when he played in the Negro Leagues. After the Negro Leagues, Aaron went on to play for the Milwaukee Braves (1954 - 1965), the Atlanta Braves (1966 - 1974) and the Milwaukee Brewers (1975 - 1976). It was after his career ended that Aaron had to wait to become Hall of Fame eligible, to which he was inducted in 1982.

During his baseball career, Hank Aaron was destined to break Babe Ruth's record of most home runs held. A little known fact around this time was the when Aaron was approaching Babe Ruth's career records of 714 home runs, the umpires began making baseballs that were pitched to him marked in invisible ink. The ink was a way of identifying the potential historic ball without any doubts. On August 18, 1865 Aaron hit what looked like on of the biggest home runs in baseball history that landed on top of the roof of St. Louis Missouri's Sportsman's Park. Unfortunately, the home plate umpire noted that Aaron had made contact with one foot that was completely outside of the batter's box. If the umpire had not noticed this mistake Aaron's home run count would be at 756.

Overall in his career, Aaron accomplished many milestones. He earned three Gold Glove Awards, made twenty-four All Star Game appearances, won a World Series ring in 1957 with the Milwaukee Braves. In addition, he was the last Negro League player to play in the major leagues, and he was the last Milwaukee Braves player to hit a homerun in Milwaukee County Stadium. Other achievements include acting in episodes of Futurama and Happy Days. He also has a minor league baseball stadium located in Mobile named after him, as well as Turner Field's (home of the Atlanta Braves) street address is 755 Hank Aaron Drive SE.

Moreover, all baseball records that Aaron holds are as follows:

Games played: 3298 (makes Aaron 3rd of all time)
At-bats: 12,364 (2nd of all time)
Runs: 2174 (3rd of all time tied with Babe Ruth)
Hits: 3771 (3rd of all time)
Home runs: 755 (1st on American baseball's history)
Runs batted in: 2297 (1st of all time)

While these statistics may change over time, one thing remains true: Hank Aaron changed the world of baseball personally and professionally for all players, fans, and the game alike.

Published by Aimee E

A.E. has been a professional writer/editor since 2001, and has a BS Degree with a major in Middle Grades Education. A.E. is available for writing/editing assignments by message. View profile

Hank Aaron: Little Known Facts About One of Baseball's Greatest

Exploring Aaron's History with the Game Both on the Field and on the Record Books

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