The home run king has passed on. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/hank-aaron-obit-dead-at86-1.5883841
Hammering Hank was a true great on many fronts. He will be missed.
I saw him play once at Tiger Stadium when he was with Milwaukee in the AL. He had one of the nicest, most well-balanced swings I’d ever seen. RIP Hammerin’ Hank.
I got more interested in baseball in 1969 when the Montreal Expos entered the NL. Always marveled at Hank Aaron and his poise, dignity, and, of course, POWER.
Here’s his rookie card. RIP Henry Aaron.
We got to see him hit a homer when closing in on the record, in Arlington Tx.
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Originally posted by Paul RThe home run king has passed on. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/hank-aaron-obit-dead-at86-1.5883841
Greatest home run hitter that ever lived in my opinion. I totally disregard Bonds so-called record, just as I do McGuire's and Sosa's single season records.
To follow up on John’s comment,,,,,and I still recognize Maris’ 61 in ‘61 as the "clean" benchmark.
Edited by - chuckv97 on 01/22/2021 13:09:59
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Originally posted by chuckv97To follow up on John’s comment,,,,,and I still recognize Maris’ 61 in ‘61 as the "clean" benchmark.
Amen Chuck!
Just heard on a local sports talk show that a name being bandied about for the Atlanta Braves name, if they change it, is the "Atlanta Hammer". I like it! If they do it, it is a shame that they didn't do it when the "Hammer" was still living. What a tribute to a great man!
Edited by - BanjoLink on 01/22/2021 13:48:22
I don't compare players from different eras. Major changes occur in rules, management,
equipment, and playing conditions. I used to go to St. Louis Cardinal games in old Busch Stadium. Tickets were not that expensive and I sat close to the Cardinal dugout. I could hear the players talk to each other. I loved the smell of freshly cut grass. Hmm, wonder what artificial turf smells like. Parking in the alleyways and lawns at the old stadium was a challenge though.
I feel sorry for kids who go to todays stadiums. Some very enjoyable elements disappeared.
Edited by - Richard Hauser on 01/22/2021 14:07:48
He did it in fewer games and no dope.
So did Ruth 140 game seasons.
Viva Aaron, Maris, and Ruth.
From everything I understand, Aaron was a true gentleman.
McGwire-Bonds-et al: phooey.
Growing up in Milwaukee not far from Milwaukee County Stadium, I was lucky enough to watch Hammering Hank numerous times!!! Bleacher seats in the outfield we’re $2.75 I believe and the Hot Dogs were amazing dunked in Secret Stadium Sauce , which is now bottled and sold. A family could go watch a game and have a couple dogs, beers and pops, peanuts and parking for under 50 bucks!!! We lived on 35th and National on the 3rd floor of a Polish Flat and would sit on the fire escape and be able to see home plate and first base and listen to the game on the radio. Due to the distance , the sound was delayed and we would see the hitter take off running and by the time he was rounding first we would hear the strike of the ball on the bat and then the crowd roaring!!!
Hank Aaron was one of our Hero’s and I was sad to hear of his passing. Haven’t thought about him in a long time, but sure remember him and have memories for a lifetime! RIP Hammerin Hank !!!
Thats when Baseball was Baseball !!!
Slammer!!!
Edited by - slammer on 01/22/2021 19:13:23
When I was a mere lowly orderly at Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee, I carried in his lunch tray.
quote:
Originally posted by slammerGrowing up in Milwaukee not far from Milwaukee County Stadium, I was lucky enough to watch Hammering Hank numerous times!!! Bleacher seats in the outfield we’re $2.75 I believe and the Hot Dogs were amazing dunked in Secret Stadium Sauce , which is now bottled and sold. A family could go watch a game and have a couple dogs, beers and pops, peanuts and parking for under 50 bucks!!! We lived on 35th and National on the 3rd floor of a Polish Flat and would sit on the fire escape and be able to see home plate and first base and listen to the game on the radio. Due to the distance , the sound was delayed and we would see the hitter take off running and by the time he was rounding first we would hear the strike of the ball on the bat and then the crowd roaring!!!
Hank Aaron was one of our Hero’s and I was sad to hear of his passing. Haven’t thought about him in a long time, but sure remember him and have memories for a lifetime! RIP Hammerin Hank !!!Thats when Baseball was Baseball !!!
Slammer!!!
Dale ..... you mention the sound of the "strike of the ball on the bat". It's funny, but you could just about tell some hitters blindfolded by that sound. From the great power hitters, it was just different. I guess part of it was just the solid contact that they always seemed to make and then add the timing and power and it was a different sound. Memories!
