Baseball has been America’s favorite pastime since its inception in the late 19th century. It has some of the most passionate fans who have been watching and keeping track of every statistic known to man. One of the most coveted records in baseball is the number of home runs hit by a single player during their career. This record is currently held by one of the most iconic players of all-time, Hank Aaron.
Aaron hit exactly 755 home runs during his illustrious career, making him the all-time leader in home runs. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all-time and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.
In this article, we will take a look at who hit exactly 755 home runs, the career of Hank Aaron, his impact on the game, and how he was able to reach such a remarkable milestone.
Hank Aaron: The Career
Hank Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1934 and began playing professional baseball in the Negro Leagues in 1952. He quickly made a name for himself and caught the attention of the major league scouts. In 1954, he was signed by the Milwaukee Braves and made his major league debut in the same year.
Aaron went on to have an incredible career, playing for the Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers until 1976. He was an All-Star selection 20 times, a Gold Glove winner three times, and a National League MVP once. In addition to his individual accolades, Aaron also helped lead the Braves to a World Series Championship in 1957.
Aaron was known for his consistency, as he hit over .300 in 13 out of his 21 seasons. He was also one of the most feared power hitters of his era, as he held the record for most home runs in a season for two years with 47 in 1971 and 1973. Aaron was also the National League leader in home runs seven different times.
Reaching 755 Home Runs
Hank Aaron was able to reach the milestone of 755 home runs over the course of his career. He began his career with the Milwaukee Braves in 1954 and hit his first home run that year. He then went on to hit 754 more home runs until he retired in 1976.
Aaron was able to reach this milestone by being one of the most consistent power hitters of his era. He hit 40 or more home runs in a season nine times, including a career-high 47 during the 1973 season. He also hit 30 or more home runs in a season 13 times.
Aaron was also able to reach this milestone by being a durable player. He played in at least 150 games in 13 of his 21 seasons and averaged 144 games per season throughout his career. This allowed him to accumulate more at-bats and more chances to hit home runs.
Impact of Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron had an immense impact on the game of baseball during his career and even after his retirement. He was one of the most respected players in the game, both by his peers and by fans of the sport. He also was a mentor to many younger players and is known for his philanthropy.
In addition to his individual success, Aaron also helped raise the profile of African American players in the game. He was the first African American player to hit more than 500 home runs and was the first African American player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Aaron was also a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality. He was an outspoken advocate for these causes, which earned him the ire of some of his detractors. However, Aaron remained steadfast in his belief that all people should be treated equally and his legacy as a civil rights activist is still felt today.
Legacy of Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. He is the all-time leader in home runs with 755 and his records for career hits and RBIs are also among the top in the history of the game.
Aaron was also one of the most respected players of his time and was known for his sportsmanship and humility. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, and his number 44 was retired by the Atlanta Braves in 1977.
Aaron is also remembered for his commitment to civil rights and racial equality. He was an outspoken advocate for these causes and his legacy as a civil rights activist continues to this day. His commitment to equality and justice will always be remembered and serve as an example for future generations.
Conclusion
Hank Aaron is one of the greatest baseball players of all-time and his record of 755 home runs will likely never be broken. His career spanned 21 seasons and he was able to consistently hit for power and average throughout his career. He was also a strong advocate for civil rights and racial equality, and his legacy as a civil rights activist is still felt today. His commitment to equality and justice will always be remembered and serve as an example for future generations.