Hank Aaron: A Baseball Legend
Hank Aaron was an American baseball legend and Hall of Famer whose career spanned over two decades. Nicknamed “The Hammer”, Aaron was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history and a beloved figure in the game. He played for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers and hit a historic 755 home runs in his career. Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and was named the Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player in 1957. His legacy lives on in baseball history, and his death in 2021 was met with an outpouring of grief and respect from the baseball world. So, where is Hank Aaron buried?
Where is Hank Aaron Buried?
Hank Aaron was buried at the South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. The South-View Cemetery is a historically black cemetery founded in 1886 and is the final resting place of several African-American luminaries, including civil rights leader John Lewis and former Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson. Aaron was buried in a private ceremony on January 23, 2021, and his grave is located in the “Garden of the Pines” section of the cemetery.
Hank Aaron’s Funeral
Hank Aaron’s funeral was held on January 30, 2021, in Atlanta and was attended by hundreds of family, friends, and baseball fans. It was a fitting tribute to a man who was beloved by so many. The service included tributes from his family and friends, as well as a performance by Aaron’s favorite jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald. The service was presided over by the Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock, pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. After the service, Aaron’s family and friends gathered at the cemetery for a private burial ceremony.
Memorials for Hank Aaron
Since his passing, there have been several memorials to Hank Aaron around the country. In Atlanta, the Braves dedicated a memorial garden in his honor outside of Truist Park. The garden features a bronze statue of Aaron, a plaque with his career stats, and a plaque with his famous quote, “It’s not about how much you can take, but how much you can give.” The Braves also retired Aaron’s number 44 and hung a banner with his name and number in the stadium.
In January 2021, Major League Baseball announced the creation of the Hank Aaron Award, which will be presented to the best offensive player in each league at the end of each season. In addition, the American League Rookie of the Year Award was renamed the “Hank Aaron Award” in his honor.
Hank Aaron’s Impact on Baseball
Hank Aaron is widely considered one of the greatest players in baseball history. He was a 15-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner. He was also the first player to hit 755 home runs, a record that stood for more than 30 years. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Aaron was also a trailblazer for African-Americans in baseball. He was the first black player on the Milwaukee Braves and was one of the first African-Americans to break the color barrier in the major leagues.
Aaron was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was a key figure in the civil rights movement and was a close friend of Martin Luther King Jr. Aaron was also a strong advocate for player’s rights and was one of the first players to publicly call for more equitable pay and treatment of players.
Hank Aaron’s Legacy
Hank Aaron’s legacy is one of excellence and determination. He was a trailblazer in the game of baseball and a leader in the civil rights movement. His achievements and impact on the game will never be forgotten. As his widow, Billye Aaron, said at his funeral, “Hank Aaron’s legacy is one of strength, resilience, and grace. He will forever be remembered as a hero and an inspiration to us all.”
Hank Aaron’s Posthumous Honors
In the wake of Aaron’s death, several organizations have paid tribute to him in various ways. In March 2021, the United States Postal Service unveiled a special commemorative stamp in Aaron’s honor. Additionally, President Joe Biden awarded Aaron the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
The Baseball Hall of Fame also announced the creation of the Hank Aaron Award, which will be given annually to the top offensive player in each league. The Atlanta Braves also renamed their team facility the “Hank Aaron Training Center” in his honor.
Hank Aaron’s Final Resting Place
Hank Aaron is buried at the South-View Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. His grave is located in the “Garden of the Pines” section of the cemetery and is marked with a simple headstone bearing his name and the years of his birth and death. The site is a fitting tribute to a man who overcame racism and adversity to become one of the greatest baseball players in history.
Hank Aaron’s Final Words
In his final years, Hank Aaron was known for his inspirational words. At his funeral, his family read a letter written by Aaron to his wife and children in which he said:
“Life has been a great journey for me, and I’ve been blessed to have had so many wonderful people in my life. I hope that I have been able to inspire others to reach for their dreams and to never give up.”
These words encapsulate the spirit of Hank Aaron and serve as a reminder of his legacy.
Conclusion
Hank Aaron was a beloved figure in baseball and in the civil rights movement. His legacy will live on for generations and his final resting place is a fitting tribute to a man who overcame adversity and paved the way for African-American players in the major leagues. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and respect from the baseball world, and his final words serve as a reminder of his inspiring legacy.