Braves’ Power Evokes Memories of Hank Aaron

As a Hank Aaron home run flew over the fence at Three Rivers Stadium in 1972, the realization of his ascent toward history became apparent.
With the rate at which home runs are flying off the bats of Atlanta Braves hitters this season (263 through 137 games), one cannot help but think of one of the most prolific hitters of all time, the Braves’ own Henry Aaron.

Also in 1972, in that long-gone concrete donut in Pittsburgh, I saw a Willie Mays basket catch (even though he was in a New York Mets uniform when he did so) and a Roberto Clemente throw from right field that cut down a runner’s attempted double. Each had its mark on historic achievements indicative of that all-time great player.

But on July 19, 1972, Aaron hit number 659 off of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Nellie Briles and equaled Babe Ruth’s record for home runs with the same team. Aaron was batting third, behind current Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker (yes, really) and speedster Ralph Garr. Catcher Earl Williams batted cleanup.

Hank Aaron and Dusty Baker, 1972 @Braves pic.twitter.com/cdvgJjRM9Y

— Vintage Jerseys & Hats (@PolyesterUnis) November 6, 2021

He circled the bases with his typical smooth trot and headed to the field-level dugout with little fanfare. It was more than a home run by the greatest home run hitter of his generation. It set the stage for his ascent to the first line in the record book. Later that summer, Aaron broke Ruth’s record for the most home runs with one team, hitting two against the Cincinnati Reds.

Hank Aaron Home Run: History Was Calling

Aaron’s Ascent to the Record

Aaron, of course, broke Babe Ruth’s career home run record in 1974, but there was much more to The Hammer’s batting prowess than the long ball. His statistics are astounding.

He was The Hammer, long before Kirk Burrell (MC Hammer). One of Aaron’s most telling quotes was: “My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.”

Contact and Takeoff

And swing he did, but not in a reckless sense. His strikeout total pales in comparison to current players. Aaron went to the plate more times than all but two players in baseball history, and he hit more home runs than all but one. Despite that, Aaron finished with 1,383 strikeouts, only the 119th most in MLB history and fewer than several active players have. By comparison, he was walked 1,402 times.

Simply put, Aaron was one of the greatest hitters of all time with:

• 18 consecutive seasons with 20 or more home runs;
• 15 seasons with 100 or more runs scored;
• 14 seasons hitting over .300;
• 11 seasons with 100 or more RBI; and
• Two batting titles.

His 1957 NL MVP season led the Milwaukee Braves to the pennant and, eventually, their only World Series title in the city. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982 and passed away in 2021 at age 86.

Hammer Time

In addition to home runs, games, and plate appearances, Aaron ranks third all-time in hits (3,771), fourth in runs scored (2,174), first in total bases (6,856), first in extra-base hits (1,477), first in RBI (2,297), and fourth in intentional walks (293). He is one of seven players to reach both hallowed milestones of 3,000 hits and 500 home runs after Miguel Cabrera joined the club in 2022.

Even without every one of Aaron’s 755 home runs, he still would have topped the 3,000-hit mark — one of the most celebrated in baseball.
Aaron is the all-time All-Star, with a record 25 selections. Consider, however, that in four seasons (1959-62) there were multiple games. Still, Aaron was selected as an All-Star in 21 seasons (1955-75), more than any other player.

One More for the Books

A lesser-known statistic is that the Aarons (Hank and younger brother Tommie) hold the record for the most home runs by any brother combination. Tommie Aaron hit 13 home runs in seven seasons with the Braves, giving them a family total of 768.

One for the Memories

The Pirates won that game back in 1972, by an 8-3 score. I am not sure if anyone else in the crowd absorbed that historic moment. The only Aaron home run I’d witnessed was indelible. Drink in and savor your experiences, baseball fans.

 

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