Baseball legend Hank Aaron dies at 86: Reactions from the sports world and beyond
Baseball legend Hank Aaron has "passed away peacefully in his sleep," according to a statement released Friday by the Atlanta Braves. A cause of death was not immediately known.
Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth’s vaunted record of 714 in 1974 and finished his career with 755 home runs. Along the way, Aaron had to endure death threats from racist baseball fans who didn't want to see Ruth's record broken by a Black man.
“I don’t want them to forget Ruth," Aaron, now second to Barry Bonds (762), said at the time. "I just want them to remember me.”
Here's how one of baseball's all-time greats is being remembered.
“Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone’s list of all-time great players," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. "His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person. Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into history — and find a way to shine like no other.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game. He was 86. pic.twitter.com/bCvLOydGBZ
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2021
Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021
Saddened to hear about Hank Aaron. He meant so much more to baseball and the country than just being one of the game's top home run hitters. He truly was a very special man.
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) January 22, 2021
Astros manager Dusty Baker, who was a teammate and close friend to Hank Aaron, released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/zghFSWKFR8
— Houston Astros (@astros) January 22, 2021
Statement from Bud Selig on Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/yd3wmd95bG
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) January 22, 2021
“Hank Aaron’s incredible talent on the baseball field was only matched by his dignity and character, which shone brightly, not only here in Cooperstown, but with every step he took," Baseball Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark said. " His courage while pursuing the game’s all-time home run record served as an example for millions of people inside and outside of the sports world, who were also aspiring to achieve their greatest dreams. His generosity of spirit and legendary accomplishments will live in Cooperstown forever.”
Hank Aaron's remarkable life was a study in dignity, character and courage. Watch a video tribute to the Hall of Fame legend. https://t.co/cOVV59GRgl pic.twitter.com/QvdjMmlq3d
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron’s entire life was a home run. My full statement about one of baseball's greatest heroes, an inspiring role model and philanthropist, and a wonderful friend here: https://t.co/uEjSPYD3Qq pic.twitter.com/Tx7NPlMkC2
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 22, 2021
America lost an extraordinary soul in @HenryLouisAaron. On the field, he brought power + purpose. In the community, Hank Aaron invested in progress, in people & in dreams. May his wife, Billye, his family and friends find peace in their sorrow, knowing how deeply he was loved. pic.twitter.com/TlFNuG9x0a
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 22, 2021
I’m saddened to learn of Hank’s passing. He was a giant in our game and inspired so many on and off the field. What he endured and how he persevered to surpass the all-time HR record, thought to be unbreakable, was remarkable. My thoughts are with his family and @Braves fans. https://t.co/1WJlerZJw7
— Cal Ripken, Jr. (@CalRipkenJr) January 22, 2021
You were and are an inspiration to be a better person on and off the field. We lost a true LEGEND of the game today... #RIPHankAaron 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/zMF7olu8QB
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 22, 2021
One of my heroes died today. RIP Hank Aaron @MLB @MLBNetwork @Dodgers My memories are on camera for all to see https://t.co/gXI3k7FMT5
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 22, 2021
We and @ATLUTD will retire No. 44 for the 2021 seasons in honor of Atlanta legend Hank Aaron. https://t.co/QDIe973OxR
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 22, 2021
Gibson, Ford, Brock, Seaver, Kaline, Morgan, Niekro, Lasorda, Sutton and now Hammerin Hank. We’ve lost some of the greatest to ever do it this year. @TommyLasorda is gonna have a hell of a roster to manage up there. #RIPLegends
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) January 22, 2021
“This is a profoundly sad day for baseball and indeed for our entire country," MLB Players Assn. executive director Tony Clark said. "On the field, off the field, for 23 remarkable playing seasons and beyond, Hank Aaron was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the phrase. Generations of players have walked, and will continue to walk, on a trail that Hank Aaron blazed with his determination, courage, singular talent and grace. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and legion of fans throughout the game.”
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 22, 2021
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) January 22, 2021
Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman...
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business.
Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend. Cookie and I are praying for the entire Aaron family. 🙏🏾— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021
I remember watching this moment live. Vin Scully captured it perfectly. The sight of fans running onto the field and congratulating him between 2nd and 3rd base is stunning. And btw, that's Craig Sager in the long white trench coat meeting Aaron at home plate. RIP Hank Aaron. https://t.co/3uPOvAq2yY
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was not only one of baseball’s greatest players, he was also a remarkable American hero, whose perseverance and forbearance in the face of unspeakable racism is a testament to the human spirit. We will miss him.https://t.co/JtGbnOmLnO
— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) January 22, 2021
A legend on and off the ball field... the best to ever do it... RIP Mr Hank Aaron 🙏🏿 #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021
I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant.....but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 22, 2021
I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!! #HRKing#HammeringHank🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021
We lost a legend. 🐐 R.I.P my friend @HenryLouisAaron 🙏🏾@Braves @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/Zk3jYagpxV
— Andruw Jones (@andruwjones25) January 22, 2021
From being a young man who couldn’t afford baseball equipment to an @MLB legend, Hank Aaron personified the American Dream.
A giant on the field and off, he used his influence to champion civil rights.
I pray his legacy continues to live through us as we model his example.— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) January 22, 2021
RIP Henry Aaron.
A true giant in American culture. Thank you for inspiring us through your courage, determination, and selflessness. Every former, current, and future player owes him a massive debt of gratitude. May his one of a kind legacy live on. Thank you, Hammerin’ Hank.— Michael Young (@MikeyY626) January 22, 2021
Nancy and I pass our condolences to all of Hank's family today. So saddened to hear the news of Hank's passing. There was a certain spirit, even a reverence, when in Hank Aaron's presence that you could feel. Grace, strength, integrity. We were blessed to have known him. @Braves
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) January 22, 2021
The word that keeps coming to me when I think about Hank Aaron Is Love. He was the epitome of it. Every conversation and every meeting you had with him he made you feel loved. A legend in every sense of the word, Hank has meant so much to me and so much to
— Freddie Freeman (@FreddieFreeman5) January 22, 2021
Pictures say a thousand words. One of the honors of my career has been to get to know @MLB greats. Hank was surely that , and so much more. A true gentleman. A complete player. A friend. An American hero. I will miss him very much. #HankAaron pic.twitter.com/B85uYuKg3j
— Ozzie Smith (@STLWizard) January 22, 2021
A slugger has rounded the bases for the last time. Hank Aaron was a trailblazer and a hero who had to stare down hatred. He was also one of the best ballplayers to ever play the game. He was a joy to watch and a marvel to behold. May he Rest In Peace.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) January 22, 2021
Heartbroken to see another true friend & pioneer has passed away. @HenryLouisAaron was so much better than his reputation! His contributions were much more than just baseball. Jeannine & I send our 🙏🏾 & deepest condolences to his wife & kids. #RIPHammeringHank #RIP @MLB @Braves pic.twitter.com/ONO49xEOKQ
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was an inspiration and model for all players with his talent, class, and courage. His place in the history of our game and our country will forever be present. He led by example with dignity. He will be missed. May God Bless his soul. #RIPHankAaron
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was a giant on the baseball field.
He endured racism throughout his career, but forged on to not only become the “Home Run King” but a true American hero who strove for racial justice and diversity.
He was a Hall of Famer, not just in baseball but in life.— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was a LEGEND! @MLB My Hero pic.twitter.com/2OLiDZY9uE
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 22, 2021
We celebrate the life and journey of the great, #HankAaron. He was a great athlete and a great person. May he Rest In Peace and Power. pic.twitter.com/b2npJsaW5H
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 22, 2021
When I was a kid, learning about Hank Aaron’s life and career meant learning for the first time that folks were still treated differently because of the color of their skin. Also it meant learning about an amount of dignity that I couldn’t possibly comprehend. #RIPHankAaron
— Jason Isbell (@JasonIsbell) January 22, 2021
RIP to the legend and civil rights activists Hank Aaron 💯
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) January 22, 2021
Very sad news. Rest In Peace, Hank Aaron. https://t.co/LAc9Gdn6Fr
— David Cicilline (@davidcicilline) January 22, 2021
The Jackie Robinson Foundation mourns the loss of baseball and civil rights icon Henry "Hank" Aaron. https://t.co/fZyT1L1FFF
— Jackie Robinson Foundation (@JRFoundation) January 22, 2021
I’m not a sports guy. You don’t have to be to know that the name Hank Aaron stood for majesty on the field and grace of character both on and off the field. It was a thrill be have seen him play his game. He was a master. And a gentleman. RIPHankAaron
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) January 22, 2021
Staff writers Mike DiGiovanna and Chuck Schilken contributed to this report.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.