Tributes pour in for transcendent baseball icon Hank Aaron

January 22, 2021 - 1:03pm

Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron (44) breaks Babe Ruth's record for career home runs as he hits No. 715 off Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing in the fourth inning of the home opener at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Ga., on April 8, 1974. (AP Photo)

On Friday, the sports world lost a legend.

Hank Aaron, a baseball Hall of Famer and one of the sport’s greatest-ever players, died at the age of 86. Known as “Hammerin’ Hank,” Aaron set baseball’s home-run record over the course of his 23-year career, and did so while encountering racism and death threats as he reached and surpassed Babe Ruth’s record in 1974.

Aaron’s play on the diamond and the impact he made off of it made the Mobile, Ala., native not only a sporting legend but a Civil Rights icon and a hero to many. He transcended the game of baseball, and word of his death prompted a flood of tributes to the Atlanta Braves great.

Here is just a fraction of the celebrations of Aaron’s life on social media as the we mourn a giant of the sports world.

We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game. He was 86. pic.twitter.com/bCvLOydGBZ

— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron:A hero against racial odds.He could not stay in the same hotel w/his teammates. A champion. He rode on the people’s shoulders as we looked upon him in adoration.A hero.We rode on his shoulders.He lifted us to higher heights.He was the undisputed champion of home runs. pic.twitter.com/08WT5tjw0D

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) January 22, 2021

#RestInPower to legendary baseball player and activist Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/dPmTuP6evl

— NAACP (@NAACP) January 22, 2021

Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx

— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021

You can't mourn the death of Hank Aaron and say stick to sports.
Hank was integral to the Civil Rights movement. He was a symbol of BLM.
RIP pic.twitter.com/Yiwh5DVzIM

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 22, 2021

RIP Hank Aaron. He hit 755 home runs while dealing with racism & death threats from white fans who couldn’t deal with a Black man playing at the highest level & ultimately, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. Baseball lost one of its greatest stars & a fighter for justice.

— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) January 22, 2021

"As far as I'm concerned, (Hank) Aaron is the best ball player of my era… He's never received the credit he's due." – Mickey Mantle pic.twitter.com/ALwQfRGwX4

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) January 22, 2021

“What a marvelous moment for baseball … What a marvelous moment for the country and the world.”

RIP Hank Aaron, one of the greatest of all time.pic.twitter.com/kjrvSK19BM

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) January 22, 2021

RIP Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron! Sad sad day. Thankful for your heroism! pic.twitter.com/oyfWfr0M80

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 22, 2021

Rest in peace, Hank Aaron.

A baseball legend who transcended the sport. pic.twitter.com/YpQ2C5fZ5H

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron was not only one of baseball’s greatest players, he was also a remarkable American hero, whose perseverance and forbearance in the face of unspeakable racism is a testament to the human spirit. We will miss him.https://t.co/JtGbnOmLnO

— Ken Burns (@KenBurns) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron was not only a home run king, but a king of justice. In the face of racism and vitriol, he broke through barriers with grace on his way to becoming one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. We've lost a true trailblazer and American icon.

May he rest in peace. https://t.co/HXD5bqGbnm

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 22, 2021

Today, the world lost a true baseball legend.

Hank Aaron was arguably one of the greatest players of all time and achieved greatness in an environment that was often hostile to Black players.

His legacy will endure forever and he will be truly missed.

— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) January 22, 2021

https://twitter.com/LennyKravitz/status/1352658373473411075

Muhammad Ali once said this about Hank Aaron: “The only man I idolize more than myself.” RIP to the real HR king! pic.twitter.com/H2Vt62iMSY

— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) January 22, 2021

As a child, Hank Aaron hid under his bed when the KKK stormed through his neighborhood.

As an 18 year old, he left Mobile, Alabama with two sandwiches and two dollars.

He retired as baseball's home run king and died today a hero. So inspiring.

— Paul Hembekides (Hembo) (@PaulHembo) January 22, 2021

America lost an extraordinary soul in @HenryLouisAaron. On the field, he brought power + purpose. In the community, Hank Aaron invested in progress, in people & in dreams. May his wife, Billye, his family and friends find peace in their sorrow, knowing how deeply he was loved. pic.twitter.com/TlFNuG9x0a

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) January 22, 2021

A legend on and off the ball field… the best to ever do it… RIP Mr Hank Aaron #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV

— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021

and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business.

Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time! Rest In Peace my friend. Cookie and I are praying for the entire Aaron family.

RIP Hank Aaron. “Trying to sneak a fast ball by Hank Aaron is like trying to sneak a sunrise by a rooster.” So said teammate Joe Adcock.

— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron's impact on the game was as powerful as his swing.

His contributions to the sport were immeasurable.

Baseball's lost a titan. pic.twitter.com/jCjeGZFu6K

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 22, 2021

I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!! #HRKing#HammeringHank/p>— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021

I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant…..but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank

— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 22, 2021

The New York Yankees mourn the loss of baseball legend Hammerin' Hank Aaron. His impact on and off the field will never be forgotten. We send our condolences to his family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/04tuETVAey

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) January 22, 2021

The Cincinnati Reds join all of Major League Baseball in mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/XF9xGCBKw6

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) January 22, 2021

hank aaron – what a loss. great ball player, great man.
we became friends when i did a documentary with him
he described growing up in South and being told he couldn’t
play because he was black – which made him all the more determined.
a gentle giant
one of my great heroes

— Tom Brokaw (@tombrokaw) January 22, 2021