Hank Aaron

Aaron became one of the most prolific hitters in the game of Baseball, collecting over 3,771 Hits with 755 Home Runs, a batting combination that has no equal.  A master of consistency, Aaron had 15 30-Home Run Seasons, 14 seasons where he batted over .300, and he was named to every All-Star Game from 1955 to 1975.  Aaron was named the National League MVP in 1957, the same year led the Milwaukee Braves to their only title while playing in Wisconsin, and from 1955 to 1973, Aaron always received an MVP vote. 

When Aaron was chasing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record of 714, he received numerous death threats, all based on the color of his skin.  Aaron did set the home run record, and did so with class and dignity that will always be celebrated.

While Aaron’s home run totals have been eclipsed, he is still the all-time record holder in runs batted in (2,297) and total bases (6,856).

In 1999, MLB created the Hank Aaron Award, which is given to the player who had the best offensive year.  It is hard to imagine who better the honor should be named after.