Hank Aaron Biography

Fast Facts

• Broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 home runs, retiring with 755, a record that held until 2007
• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982
• Major League Baseball christened the award given annually to the best overall hitter in each league the Hank Aaron Award in 1999 on the 25th anniversary of him breaking Babe Ruth's home run record
• Was the third of eight children born to a tavern owner and a dry dock boilermaker's assistant
• Excelled at both football and baseball at Central High School in Mobile, Ala
• Played briefly in the negro leagues and the minor leagues
• Was recruited by the Milwaukee Braves in 1952 for $10,000
• Quote: "I never want them to forget Babe Ruth․ I just want them to remember Henry Aaron․"
• Known as a right fielder for the Milwaukee Braves
• Played in the MLB for the Milwaukee Braves, the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers