On the passing of Henry “Hank” Aaron
From all members of the Common Council -- Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman Mark A. Borkowski, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderman Scott Spiker, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II
We are stunned and saddened to learn of the passing today of baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron, who started his career with the Milwaukee Braves in the 1950s, and ended his career with the Brewers by hitting an RBI single in his final at-bat on October 3, 1976.
Hank Aaron played 21 seasons for the Braves in Milwaukee and Atlanta, after the team moved there in 1966. He was a key player when the Braves won the World Series in 1957, bringing joy and glory to Milwaukee and forever etching his name in the hearts of baseball fans here and across Wisconsin. Known as “Hammer” and “Hammerin’ Hank,” his name adorns the Hank Aaron State Trail as it meanders along in the shadows of where his early and great playing days shined at then County Stadium.
Enshrined forever in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record – a record many thought would never be broken – but never sought personal recognition or fame. Hank Aaron was a kind and generous man who led by example and who sought to serve others.
In fact he and his wife Billye would help charities and causes on a regular basis. Hank Aaron seemed to be happiest when helping others. In 2018 he told an interviewer that he wanted to be remembered “as not someone who hit 700 home runs or someone who had a .300 batting average, but someone who did a little bit more than just — did some other things to help mankind.”
We send our sincere condolences to the loved ones and friends of Mr. Aaron, and we cherish the fact that he called Milwaukee home for a time, and that he thrilled us with his talent, his booming home runs, and especially his kindness and humanity.
Rest in peace, Hammer.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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