Hank Aaron and His Accomplishments
Hank Aaron, one of the most successful baseball players of all time, is known for his remarkable career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. Aaron, who was born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 5, 1934, began his Major League Baseball career in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves. Throughout his illustrious career, Aaron was an All-Star selection 21 times, a National League MVP in 1957, and a World Series Champion in 1957. He was also named the NL batting champion four times, the NL home run leader four times, and the NL RBI leader twice. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and his number, 44, was retired by the Braves in 1977. But perhaps Aaron’s most impressive feat was his ability to set and break numerous Major League Baseball records, including hitting the most home runs in one season.
Overview of Hank Aaron’s Career
During his career, Hank Aaron was considered one of the greatest players of all time. He was the first MLB player to compile 3,000 hits and 500 home runs in a career. He also holds the record for most career RBIs with 2,297. During his 23-year career, he hit a total of 755 home runs and holds the record for most career runs scored with 2,174. He also holds the record for most extra-base hits with 1,477 and total bases with 6,856.
Hank Aaron’s Home Run Record
Hank Aaron’s most impressive record, however, is the one he holds for most home runs in one season. During the 1973 season, Aaron hit a total of 40 home runs, which was a career-high for him. This record remains the most home runs hit by a single player in one season and it has been untouched since.
The 1973 Season
The 1973 season was a special one for Hank Aaron and the Braves. It was the first season since the Braves had moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta and it was the first season that Aaron had hit 40 home runs. The Braves had high expectations for Aaron in their new home in Atlanta, and he did not disappoint.
Aaron’s Historic Home Run Record
On April 8, 1973, Aaron hit his 500th home run, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to do so. He went on to hit a total of 40 home runs during the 1973 season, setting a Major League Baseball record that still stands today.
The Aftermath of Aaron’s Record
After Aaron’s record-breaking season, he was praised by fans and players alike. He was named the NL MVP for the season and was also the recipient of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for his accomplishments. Aaron’s record-breaking season made him one of the most recognizable players in the league, and his 40 home runs in one season still stands as one of the most impressive individual performances in Major League Baseball history.
The Impact of Aaron’s Record
Hank Aaron’s record-breaking season had a lasting impact on the game of baseball. His record for most home runs in one season has never been broken, and it serves as a reminder of what can be achieved by hard work and dedication. Aaron’s record-breaking season also showed that the game of baseball can be played at the highest level by anyone, regardless of race or background.
Where Does Aaron Rank?
Hank Aaron is widely considered to be one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He holds numerous MLB records, including the record for most home runs in one season, and he was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982. He is also widely regarded as one of the most influential players in the history of the game, as he helped pave the way for future generations of baseball players.
Other Notable Home Run Records
Though Hank Aaron holds the record for most home runs in one season, there are several other players who have hit impressive numbers of home runs in one season. Here is a list of some of the other notable home run records:
- Barry Bonds – 73 home runs in 2001
- Mark McGwire – 70 home runs in 1998
- Sammy Sosa – 66 home runs in 1998
- Roger Maris – 61 home runs in 1961
- Babe Ruth – 60 home runs in 1927
Conclusion
Hank Aaron is one of the most accomplished players in Major League Baseball history. He holds numerous records, including the one for most home runs in one season. His record of 40 home runs in the 1973 season has never been broken, and it serves as a reminder of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Aaron’s record-breaking season also showed that the game of baseball can be played at the highest level by anyone, regardless of race or background.
References
- Baseball-Reference.com. (2020). Hank Aaron Stats. Retrieved from baseball-reference.com/players/a/aaronha01.shtml
- Biography.com Editors. (2020). Hank Aaron Biography. Retrieved from biography.com/athlete/hank-aaron
- MLB.com. (2019). Hank Aaron’s 10 Best Records. Retrieved from mlb.com/cut4/hank-aarons-10-best-records/c-277986520