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Hank Aaron

Person

About

Hank Aaron was a legendary baseball player known for his incredible career achievements. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Aaron began his professional career in the Negro American League before joining Major League Baseball. He played for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers from 1954 to 1976. Aaron's consistency and skill earned him numerous accolades, including 25 All-Star selections and three Gold Glove awards. He won the National League MVP Award in 1957 and was a key player in the Braves' World Series victory that year. Aaron holds several MLB records, including most career RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856). He broke Babe Ruth's home run record in 1974, finishing with 755 home runs. Aaron's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments; he faced significant racial challenges throughout his career, becoming an iconic figure in the civil rights movement. After retiring, Aaron continued to contribute to baseball as a senior vice president with the Atlanta Braves and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, cementing his status as a baseball legend and civil rights icon.