Remembering Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth's longstanding home run record with grace and dignity, died Friday morning at age 86. The one man that Muhammad Ali said he idolized “more than myself,” was a hero as the Braves helped break down barriers.

When the major leagues came to Atlanta in 1966, racial equality was more a goal than reality. The Alabama native was a son of the old, ugly South, having grown up in the era of Jim Crow segregation. But as the best player on the team, Aaron's leadership on the field and in the community made it clear that baseball was part of the New South.

On April 8th, 1974, he crushed an Al Downing pitch to center field at the old Fulton County Stadium. Number 715, despite death threats, despite hate, despite a foolish idea that some records ought not be broken. And he added 40 more round tippers before retiring two years later.

The Braves' greatest player was more than just a slugger. A superb all-around talent, he batted .305 over his 23 seasons, and remains the game's all time leader in RBIs and total bases -- and in the minds of many, its legitimate home run king.

After finishing his playing career in Milwaukee with the Brewers, Aaron returned to Atlanta as a valued member of the team's front office. As a talent evaluator, coach and mentor, he was a strong influence on many young players. Remaining active despite declining health, he was at the Braves' spring training home in North Port, Florida last February when the entrance road leading to the park was renamed Hank Aaron way.

His number-44 was already displayed outside CoolToday Park, never to be worn by another Braves player.