Hank Aaron whose Hall of Fame career spanned from 1954 to 1976 has died in Atlanta, Georgia, at the age of 86.
His daughter confirmed the news to an Atlanta television station this morning. No official cause of death has been released.
“Hammerin Hank” finished his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976 and still holds major league records for runs batted in total bases and extra-base hits. His most famous hit came less than a week into 1974 in Atlanta when he took a pitch of Los Angeles Dodger left-hander Al Downing and sent it over the left centerfield wall for his 715th career home run breaking then Babe Ruth’s record. Aaron finished with 755 career home runs.
Aaron was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1982 and after retiring he joined the Braves as an executive and hoped more black players could find that type of work after their playing careers were over. Aaron was awarded the Presidential Medal Freedom of Honor for his philanthropic work in 2002. The Braves released a statement saying in part “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank. He was a beacon for our organization first as a player then with player development and always with our community efforts. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon but one across Major League Baseball and around the world.”
