Born in Mobile, Alabama in 1934, Aaron started his baseball career in the Negro Leagues in 1951, signing a contract with the Indianapolis Clowns. However, it didn’t take long before MLB clubs came calling, with the Boston Braves winning his services. Just three years later, in 1954, he made his debut with the then Milwaukee Braves at the age of 20 years old. He finished fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting that season after hitting .280 with 13 HR and 69 RBI across 122 games with the team.
He would go on to play another 22 seasons, all with the Braves, moving with the franchise from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966. His consistent power, 20 seasons with 20 or more homers, 15 of 30 or more, led to his iconic moment on April 8, 1974 when he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record with homer number 715. The legendary voice of the Dodgers, Vin Scully was on the call.
All told, Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs and a still record 2,297 RBIs. He also racked up the most extra base hits (1,477) and total bases (6,856) of any player in history.
Aaron was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982 receiving votes on 406/415 ballots (97% of the vote). After his career, he went on to serve as senior vice president and assistant to the Braves president. Aaron was an ambassador for the game and the Braves throughout his post playing career.