Happy 80th Birthday Hank Aaron!

To most rational baseball fans Hank Aaron is the baseball’s true home run king.  When He broke Babe Ruth’s record he had to endure some terrible racial abuse.  Even though he broke the record in 1974 a full 27 years after Jackie Robinson broke down the color barrier, Aaron heard and felt the worst of intolerances. Some people could not accept an African American breaking the great Babe Ruth’s record.  Despite all of the abuse he suffered 40 years ago, modern fans recognize him today as a legend and an all-time great player.

Besides hitting a bunch of home runs, Aaron’s career was ridiculously consistent.  He was an all-star every year of his career besides his final season and his rookie season.  In 1957 he captured the National League MVP award.  Not only could you count on Aaron to hit at least 35 home runs he also hit for average, posting a .305 career mark.  Most power hitters rely solely on power,  Hank was a true 5-tool player his fielding prowess helped him grab the 1958, 1959 and 1960 Gold Glove Awards. His stats and awards all speak for themselves.

Unfortunately his legacy is linked to Barry Bonds. It was a sad day when Hank Aaron had to go on the scoreboard at AT&T Park and congratulate Bonds on beating his illustrious record. At the time Bonds broke the record the rumors of his alleged PED use were already thick. However he was classy in his address to the San Francisco fans and Bonds. Aaron only needed heart, massive talent and fortitude to accomplish what he did in his career. While Bonds is a disgraced superstar, Aaron is a legend embraced by all baseball fans as a beacon of what is truly good about the game. That is why in my mind Aaron is and will always be the Home Run King. So Happy Birthday Hammerin Hank and many more.