Hank Aaron has died at the age of 86.
He led the Milwaukee Braves to the 1957 World Series title and his pennant-clinching home run on September 23, 1957 remains one of the top moments in Wisconsin sports history.
Aaron leaves a singular and powerful legacy on Wisconsin sports.
He may have broken Babe Ruth's home run record in Atlanta, but Milwaukee always delighted in the longtime home run king.He finished his career with the Brewers and hit his 755th and final home run at Milwaukee County Stadium. He appeared in 24 All Star games and won three gold gloves.
Hank Aaron's death is a severe blow to all of America. In Milwaukee, he led the Braves to the 1957 World Series title. His home run on Sep 23, 1957 clinched the pennant. He finished his career with the Brewers and hit his 755th and final home run at County Stadium.
— Dennis Krause (@DennisKrause1) January 22, 2021
Aaron broke barriers without even trying.
His talent and dignity forced walls to crumble.
Playing in the minor leagues in Eau Claire.
Starring for the Braves in Milwaukee. Moving to Mequon.
The Alabama native had a minor league stop in Eau Claire—when he still hit cross-handed—before his debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954. “Hammerin' Hank” was the National League Most Valuable Player in 1957. He clinched the pennant that year with a home run on September 23 and then helped the Braves beat the Yankees for the 1957 World Series title. To this day, it’s the only World Series Championship in Milwaukee history.
Aaron moved with the Braves to Atlanta—where he endured withering racial death threats on the way to breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record with number 715 in 1974. He held the record until 2007, when Barry Bonds broke it under the cloud of steroid use.
Hank Aaron's death is a loss for this country. And certainly for Wisconsin.
Aaron’s death brought reactions from all corners friday including presidents and Major League Baseball Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig, who called Aaron’s death “heartbreaking” and “desvastating”.
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio offered his thoughts.
“As big as a fan as I was of him as a player, I’m an even bigger fan as a human being," said Attanasio. "I don’t know anyone I admire more as a person and I don’t say that lightly. I’ve thought about it a lot this morning. He’s number one.”