Hank Aaron played 23 MLB seasons and was baseball's home run king for 33 years until Barry Bonds passed him on the all-time list in 2007. Today is Aaron's 82nd birthday and it'd be criminal to not admire the top moments throughout his lifetime.
Aaron logged 21 seasons with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and finished his career after his final two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He won the NL MVP in 1957, led the league in home runs four times ('57, '63, '66 and '67) and RBIs four times ('57, '60, '63, '66). The 21-time All-Star also won the NL batting title twice ('56 and '59) and captured his only World Series victory during his third season in the league.
He's currently the MLB's all-time leader in RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856). He finished his career with a .305/.374/.555 stat line and 755 home runs.
Here are three of Aaron's top moments from over the years.
3. The Braves retire Aaron's No. 44 during the 1977 season, just one year after his retirement.
The Brewers also retired Aaron's No. 44 at the conclusion of the 1976 season. It didn't take either franchise long to honor one of the greatest hitters of all-time.
2. After being enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Aaron delivers his historic induction speech.
Aaron respectfully took the time to honor Jackie Robinson and Roy Campanella, who he said gave him (and other African-Americans) the opportunity to pursue an illustrious career in baseball.
"They proved to the world that a man's ability is limited only by his lack of opportunity," Aaron said.
1. Aaron passes Babe Ruth for No. 1 on the all-time home run list
There's not much to elaborate upon here. Aaron's historic home run passed Ruth, who is regarded as the best baseball player of all-time. Despite being passed by Bonds in 2007, many still view Aaron as the true home run king due to Bonds' link to performance-enhancing drugs.
Happy birthday, Hank. And thanks for the memories!
