Farewell to a Man of Power and Grace

 Trying to throw a fastball by him

is like trying to sneak 

a sunrise past a rooster.

-Curt Simmons

Hank Aaron died on Friday.  He was eighty-six years old.  His epic career was already in its late innings when, on an April evening in Atlanta in 1974, he hit his 715th home run off Al Downing of the Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking Babe Ruth's record.  

Vin Scully's call of Hank Aaron's 715th home run

April 8, 1974 - Atlanta, Georgia

Perhaps because he played his entire career in Milwaukee and Atlanta, Hank Aaron is a unique figure in the pantheon of sports.  He is indisputably one of the greatest to ever play in the major leagues. Yet, he is underrated.  An underrated all-time great?  Indeed.  

He was significantly more than a great baseball player.  He was an extraordinary man, working to benefit kids ages nine through twelve through his Chasing the Dream Foundation. President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001.  In June 2002, President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  

A life well-lived as much for his generosity and his selflessness as for his stunning achievements in his chosen profession.  

Fare thee well, Hammerin' Hank.  

-AK