Remembering Hank Aaron
As the news has spread of the passing of Hank Aaron today at the age of 86, remembrances of his life are being shared by some Georgia leaders. Please feel free to share your memories in the comments.
Gov. Brian Kemp and Family:
“Our family is heartbroken to hear the news of Hank Aaron’s passing. Hank Aaron was an American icon and one of Georgia’s greatest legends. His life and career made history, and his influence was felt not only in the world of sports, but far beyond – through his important work to advance civil rights and create a more equal, just society. We ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his fans, family, and loved ones as we remember Hammerin’ Hank’s incredible legacy.”
Speaker David Ralston:
“Today, we have lost a giant. For generations of baseball fans, Hank Aaron was our hero. A man of quiet dignity and fierce competitiveness, he defined our national pastime. Many of us grieve today over the loss of this great man with whom we grew up. The City of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and the entire country are hurting. But we are mindful of his great legacy which will never fade.”
Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-1) via Facebook:
“Amy and I join so many in mourning the loss of Hank Aaron, a trailblazing American both on and off ball field. We are praying for his wife, Billye, and the entire Aaron family, especially my good friend and colleague David Scott.”
Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-2):
“I am deeply saddened to learn that Hank Aaron transitioned from labor to reward. Hank is known by many as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, but he was also a friend of longstanding. We grew up in the same area of Mobile, Alabama, known as Toulminville, and I have known the Aaron family for most of my life. His sister, Alfredia, was my classmate from elementary school through high school and married my friend and longtime colleague Congressman David Scott.
“Hank was not only a baseball legend, but an entrepreneur, civil rights leader, philanthropist, humanitarian, and just an outstanding human being. His humility was unparalleled, and his servant’s heart made this nation and world a better place. Vivian and I will keep Billye, Alfredia, David, and the extended Aaron family in our prayers as we all mourn the passing of this great man.”
Rep. Hank Johnson (GA-4) via Facebook:
“‘Hammerin’ Hank'” was a sweet old soul. While he was tough on pitchers, he was a kind-hearted, humble man who endured adversity to become the homerun king. GA & America have lost another icon. Peace be with you Hank & family.”
Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-5):
“It is a sad day for the Fifth Congressional District, the state of Georgia and the entire country. As a baseball legend, trailblazer, and voice for civil rights, Hank Aaron was a model of grit, hard work, and perseverance – not just to our state, but to the world.
This loss is very personal for me. A native Alabamian – like myself – rising in the Negro League to later become an Atlanta Braves legend, Hank inspired generations of Americans to strive for excellence and stand against hate and racism. My sincere condolences to his wife Billye, his children, his sister Alfredia Scott and brother-in-law Congressman David Scott and all who loved him. His absence will be felt in our community.”
Rep. Austin Scott (GA-8, via Facebook):
“Hank Aaron was both a baseball and civil rights icon, and one of the greatest to ever play the game or wear a Braves jersey. We are sending our prayers to his entire family during this time, including his wife Billye, his children, his brothers and sisters, and his brother-in-law Rep. David Scott.”
Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12), via Facebook:
“Hank Aaron is a Georgia legend who leaves behind an incredible legacy both on the baseball field and through his work as a civil rights leader. Please join Robin and me in praying for his family.”
Rep. David Scott (GA-13):
“All of our hearts are broken at the passing of our loved one, Hank Aaron. My wife, Alfredia, Hank Aaron’s sister, and I, and our entire family are deeply saddened at his passing. But we know that the Lord said to all of us, “let your light shine so that the whole world may see your great works.” And Hank Aaron did just that. And not just the 755 home run record for Major League Baseball, but also as a father, a son, a brother, a husband, a great friend to so many people, and a shining light for Atlanta, our nation, and the world. Our entire family wants to thank all of those who have reached out and have given comfort to us.”
About Author
lawtonsack
Lawton is a graduate of Georgia Southern University (the GSU) with a degree in Information Technology. He has held numerous positions within the Georgia Republican Party throughout the years.
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I’ll share what I posted to Facebook here as well:
A week that began celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. ends with us saying goodbye to Henry “Hank” Aaron. In between we witnessed what makes America special – a peaceful transfer of power which also saw the nation’s first female, first African American, and first Asian American Vice-President.
If you look at America at any single point in time you can find many shortcomings and failures. History, however, is a trendline, and America’s history is and remains one of a people striving to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday.
We owe a debt of gratitude to King and Aaron for helping us bend that trendline. We owe prayers to President Biden and Vice President Harris that they may lead us in a way that we are better tomorrow than we are today.
A good video of Hank By the MLB:
Still the real homerun king. A southern gentleman off of the field and an intimidator on the field. Watching his at bats against Bob Gibson, who we also recently lost, was real baseball. Aaron would saunter up just outside of the box, prop his bat up against his body, put on his helmet, step in while holding a hand out toward the ump, and then dig in. All this while staring the pitcher down. Typically Gibson would dig him back up and give him one high and tight and they would both go from there. Honestly with Gibson winning the battle most of the time, but that’s baseball with a quality pitcher, even against one of the best line drive hitters to ever play the game. As Ernie Sr. used to say many of his homers were still on the rise when they went into the stands.