Sheriff Earnell R. Lucas Statement on the Passing of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Henry “Hank” Aaron

(Milwaukee, WI January 22, 2021) Sheriff Earnell R. Lucas issued the following statement on the passing of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Henry “Hank” Aaron:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Major League Baseball great Henry “Hank” Aaron. Starting as a humble young boy from Mobile, AL, Hank rose to become a giant on the baseball field and legend in the hearts and minds of those who knew the many passions and pursuits of this great man. Hank learned to play the game of baseball on the sandlots in his hometown, which was also home to other Major League greats including Satchel Paige, Billy Williams, Ozzie Smith and Willie McCovey.

Hank arrived in Eau Claire, WI, in pursuit of his goal of playing in the Major Leagues five years after baseball’s color barrier was broken by Jackie Robinson. Because of his race, Hank suffered numerous indignities while pursuing his dream, before reaching the big leagues in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves. Known for his speed and agility, Hank began racking up career numbers in hits, runs batted in and home runs, earning him the National League’s Most Valuable Player Award in 1957. Hank led the Braves to back-to-back World Series in 1957 and 1958, bringing the title home to Milwaukee in 1957. Hank went on to pursue one of the most hallowed records in all of sports, the Major League Baseball home run record of 714 held by Babe Ruth, which he surpassed on April 4, 1974. Hank played 23 seasons in the Major Leagues before retiring in 1976 with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was a first ballot selection to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 with the second highest vote total ever at the time. Hank later became an executive with the Atlanta Braves, entrepreneur and ambassador for the game of baseball

I had the privilege of spending many hours with this genteel man and admire him for his grace and dignity. He will always be remembered for the humanity he showed in some of the darkest times for our country and the integrity with which he always comported himself. He leaves a legacy for young boys and girls all over the world of overcoming life’s most difficult challenges to achieve their goals and dreams. I send my sincerest condolences to his wife Billye, his family, friends and loved ones and his dear friend former Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Legions of people all over the world mourn the passing of this great man who will forever live in our hearts.”