Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron
In 1952, at the age of 18, Henry was signed by the Negro American League's Indianapolis Clowns as their shortstop
The Braves bought his contract 3 months later and placed him on their Class-C team the Eua Claire Bears.
After a year Henry worked his way up to the Class-A Jacksonville Braves
He then played a winter in Puerto Rico learning to play the outfield
In March of 1954, Henry got his big break when Bobby Thomson fractured his ankle sliding into second base.
Henry had a starting position in the next game.
With the Braves, Henry became “Hank”, and quickly earned the nickname “Hammerin’ Hank” for his batting
And was referred to as “Bad Henry” by the opposing teams.
In 1966 the Braves moved and became the Atlanta Braves
On April 8,1974 Hank surpassed Babe Ruth’s Home Run record of 714
In 1974 the Braves traded Aaron to the Milwaukee Brewers
Aaron’s last Major League appearance was October 3, 1976
Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron Mobile, Alabama
Born: February 5, 1934 (age 78), Height: 6' 0"
Major League Positions: Outfielder, Right Fielder
Played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1954 through 1976
Major League Teams Played For: Milwaukee Braves (1954-1965)
Atlanta Braves (1966-1974)
Milwaukee Brewers (1975-1976)
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982 (406/415 ballots)
Atlanta Braves Senior Vice President (1980 – Current)
MLB Records 6,856 total bases 2,297 RBI 1,477 extra-base hits 17 consecutive seasons with 150 or more hits
Career Stats Batting average .305 Home runs 755 Hits 3,771 Runs batted in 2,297
Career Highlights 25× All-Star 1957 World Series champion 3× Gold Glove Award winner 2× NL batting title 4× NL home run champion 1957 NL MVP 1970 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Atlanta Braves #44 retired Milwaukee Brewers #44 retired Major League Baseball All-Century Team