Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball’s former home run king and a true legend of the sport, died Friday at age 86.
It’s another incalculable loss for baseball, in the wake of the recent passings of other giants like Don Sutton, Tommy Lasorda, Phil Niekro, Joe Morgan, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson,
Hank Aaron, Major League Baseball’s former home run king and a true legend of the sport,
It’s another incalculable loss for baseball, in the wake of the recent passings of other giants like Don Sutton, Tommy Lasorda, Phil Niekro, Joe Morgan, Whitey Ford, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Tom Seaver and Al Kaline.
Aaron’s fellow Hall of Famers, Braves icons and baseball greats celebrated his life and legacy on Friday, with many sharing their personal memories of Aaron. Here are their tributes to Hammerin’ Hank.
Chipper Jones (Braves third baseman)
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
Frank Thomas (White Sox first baseman and DH)
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
Fergie Jenkins (Cubs and Rangers pitcher)
Saddened to say today I lost one of my heroes, Henry Aaron. I was so Happy when I saw a man of color break the home run record. A great man both on and off the field. I send my love to the Aaron family. pic.twitter.com/2yXVjdn4X4
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) January 22, 2021
Johnny Bench (Reds catcher)
The hits just keep coming. They are body blows! @Braves @baseballhall My friend #hankaaron I miss everything about him. So kind to me
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) January 22, 2021
Just dropping in to say hello! @baseballhall @MLB @MLBNetwork @Braves pic.twitter.com/S7rBYjYrOo
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) January 22, 2021
A moment I was honored to be a part of. I told Hank congratulations at the plate.https://t.co/8ksEvRclWS
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) January 22, 2021
Dave Winfield (Padres and Yankees outfielder)
I’m not even going to say the latest bad news in the baseball family…you’ll hear it yourself.😩🙏🏾⚾️ @baseballhall
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) January 22, 2021
All I can tell you at this moment is besides our friendship #America @MLB_PLAYERS @NLBMuseumKC @MLB will miss @HenryLouisAaron #admiration #respect for his impact on society. I was always honored to spend time with Hank pic.twitter.com/dPrvFfhZzY
— Dave Winfield (@DaveWinfieldHOF) January 22, 2021
Barry Bonds (Giants outfielder)
Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021
David Ortiz (Red Sox DH)
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
Derek Jeter (Yankees shortstop and current Marlins CEO)
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) January 22, 2021
Vladimir Guerrero (Expos and Angels outfielder)
Hoy es un día triste para el béisbol, nos deja Hank Aaron, una leyenda dentro y fuera del terreno. Descansa en paz. 🙏🏽
Its a sad day for baseball. We’ve lost another legend. RIP Hank Aaron. 🙏🏽#VG27 pic.twitter.com/5ESZoWhpq9
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) January 22, 2021
Mike Piazza (Dodgers and Mets catcher)
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
Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles shortstop and third baseman)
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
Jim Palmer (Orioles pitcher)
Baseball loses their best modern day player. A 5 tool player that overcame racism to live his life on and off the field with class, the pursuit of excellence , and above all , humility. #RIP @masnOrioles
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) January 22, 2021
Barry Larkin (Reds shortstop)
RIP Hank Aaron. An amazing ball player and a true gentleman. I am so honored to have spent time with you and call you a friend. You will be missed!
— Barry Larkin (@BarryLarkin) January 22, 2021
Wade Boggs (Red Sox third baseman)
Growing up in Georgia one of my childhood idols has passed Henry Aaron thoughts and prayers go out to Billye and the entire Aaron family RIP Mr. Aaron 😢🙏 pic.twitter.com/lAWK8xqTR4
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) January 22, 2021
😢👊🏻🐓⚾️🙏 https://t.co/3AS7i6h6pX
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) January 22, 2021
Bert Blyleven (Hall of Fame pitcher for five teams)
Rest In Peace Hank Aaron 🙏
— Bert Blyleven (@BertBlyleven28) January 22, 2021
Dale Murphy (Braves outfielder)
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
Andruw Jones (Braves outfielder)
We lost a legend. 🐐 R.I.P my friend @HenryLouisAaron 🙏🏾@Braves @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/Zk3jYagpxV
— Andruw Jones (@andruwjones25) January 22, 2021
Deion Sanders (Braves outfielder and NFL Hall of Famer)
Hank Aaron was a LEGEND! @MLB My Hero pic.twitter.com/2OLiDZY9uE
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 22, 2021
David Adler is a reporter for MLB.com based in New York. Follow him on Twitter at @_dadler.