An argument can be made that Hank Aaron is MLB’s GOAT.
When you think about the history of Major League Baseball (MLB), there are a few players who stand out for their excellence on the field. Some of these players include Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays.
However, there is one particular player who I think was very underrated, even though he was a superstar. That player is National Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. He broke the all-time record with career home runs by passing Babe Ruth in 1974. Mr. Aaron dealt with racism while attempting to shatter an amazing record with class and grace.
Hank Aaron had humble beginnings in Mobile, Alabama. He made his Major League debut in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves. Aaron finished 4th in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next decade-plus, he would become one of the premier players in the game. He consistently hit for a .300 batting average with power and plenty of runs batted in. Aaron won two batting titles in 1956 and 1959. He won the National League MVP in 1957. Aaron was one half of one of the most prolific offensive duos in history, alongside fellow Hall of Famer Eddie Matthews. They led the Brewers to the World Series twice and won the championship in 1957.
Hank’s RBI record will likely never be broken (photo courtesy The Ringer)
Aaron had very strong wrists that allowed him to hit the ball with authority to all parts of the field. Even though he finished with 755 home runs, he never hit 50 home runs in a season. He hit at least 40 home runs eight times in his career. He led the National League in an offensive category several times. If you take away Aaron’s home runs, he would still have over 3,000 career hits. That speaks volumes about his all-around play.
Aaron is currently 2nd on the all-time home run list, behind Barry Bonds. There are those who argue that Aaron is still considered the home run king, despite the alleged steroid use by Bonds. I happen to think Aaron is still the home run king. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1982. Aaron continued to be a fixture at MLB events after retirement.
He died on January 22, 2021, at the age of 86. His name will live on forever in the hearts of baseball fans, especially those in Milwaukee and Atlanta.
