ATLANTA — Hall of Famer "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron has passed away at 86.
The Atlanta Braves said he died peacefully in his sleep.
Aaron began his career in the Negro Leagues and minor leagues through his youth in his late teens.
He made his first Major League appearance at 20-years-old with the Milwaukee Braves from 1954 through 1976, making a huge impact on the City of Milwaukee.
“We lost a legend. Hank Aaron was my childhood hero of heroes. He was an amazing person and a fantastic baseball player. He was such a big part of Milwaukee," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.
"Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone's list of all-time great players," said MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr.
Commissioner Manfred issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron: pic.twitter.com/0Sy2G4Olm9
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) January 22, 2021
Aaron played 21 seasons for Milwaukee and held the MLB record for career home runs for 33 years.
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) January 22, 2021
Aaron, also known as Milwaukee's home run king, hit 755 home runs in his career and gave the Braves the city's first World Series title.
Briefly spoke with Bud Selig. Understandable that he is devasted by the Hank Aaron news. Friends for 62 years. Mentioned a note from Hank saying how about a black kid from Mobile, AL and a Jewish kid from Milwaukee, WI getting to top spots in baseball. Emotional. #Brewers #RIP pic.twitter.com/aKF7P1zLo8
— Lance Allan (@lanceallan) January 22, 2021
In 1982, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame after he won the World Series and won three Golden Glove awards.
Watch more of our coverage here:
