Tributes pour in honoring the legendary Hank Aaron

ATLANTA - Tributes from friends, family, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world poured in after the passing of Atlanta Braves legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron was announced Friday morning.  

The home run king, who accomplished a massive amount of achievements both on and off the field, died peacefully in his sleep, the Braves said in a release. 

FULL COVERAGE: Remembering Atlanta Braves legend Hank Aaron

President Joseph Biden released a statement on the passing of Hank Aaron that reads:

"When I watched Henry Aaron play baseball, I knew I was watching someone special. It wasn't just about watching a gifted athlete master his craft on the way to a Hall of Fame career as one of the greatest to ever play the game. It was that each time Henry Aaron rounded the bases, he wasn’t just chasing a record, he was helping us chase a better version of ourselves.

"With courage and dignity, he eclipsed the most hallowed record in sports while absorbing vengeance that would have broken most people. But he was unbreakable. He stemmed the vicious force of white supremacy, in death threats, hate mail, and in hardened hearts. What I deeply admired and respected about him is that each time he rounded those bases — an astonishing 755 trips home — he melted away more and more of the ice of bigotry to show that we can be better as a people and as a nation.

"Henry Aaron became, in the words of President Carter, ‘the first Black man for whom white fans in the South cheered.’ It was not only his bat, but his character that won over those hearts and minds. For generations of athletes and civil rights advocates who followed, he showed how to be proud and be unafraid to stand up for what is right and just.

"Jill and I count ourselves among the many millions of Americans who are grateful for the memories he gave us and our families. As a nation, we will still chase the better version of ourselves that he set for us. As we do, we mourn his passing and send our prayers to his beloved Billye, their children and grandchildren, and the entire Aaron family.

"God bless, Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron, an American hero."

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp described Aaron's passing as heartbroken, saying in a statement:

"Our family is heartbroken to hear the news of Hank Aaron's passing. Hank Aaron was an American icon and one of Georgia's greatest legends. His life and career made history, and his influence was felt not only in the world of sports but far beyond - through his important work to advance civil rights and create a more equal, just society. We ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his fans, family, and loved ones as we remember Hammerin' Hank's incredible legacy."

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tweeted a photo in remembrance of 'Hammering Hank Aaron' 

The mayor wrote:

"While the world knew him as ‘Hammering Hank Aaron’ because of his incredible, record-setting baseball career, he was a cornerstone of our village, graciously and freely joining Mrs. Aaron in giving their presence and resources toward making our city a better place."

Former President Jimmy Carter, who was Georgia's Governor when Aaron broke the home run record in 1974, released a statement following the passing of Aaron:

"Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of our dear friend Henry Aaron. One of the greatest baseball players of all time, he has been a personal hero to us. A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come. We send our love to Billye and their family and to Hank’s many fans throughout the world."

SEE MORE: Braves dedicate road to spring training park after Hank Aaron

Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to Aaron in a tweet, saying in part that "Aaron was one of the best baseball players we've ever seen". 

The former president's full statement reads:

"A child of the Jim Crow South, Hank quit high school to join the Negro League, playing shortstop for $200 a month before earning a spot in Major League Baseball. Humble and hardworking, Hank was often overlooked until he started chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record, at which point he began receiving death threats and racist letters — letters he would reread decades later to remind himself ‘not to be surprised or hurt.’ Those letters changed Hank, but they didn’t stop him."

Former President George W. Bush wrote:

"The former home run king wasn’t handed his throne. He grew up poor and faced racism as he worked to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Hank never let the hatred he faced consume him."

Another former U.S. President Bill Clinton said in part, Hank Aaron's entire life was a home run."

Georgia voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams wrote on Twitter:

"America lost an extraordinary soul in @HenryLouisAaron. On the field, he brought power + purpose. In the community, Hank Aaron invested in progress, in people & in dreams."

The Rev. Jesse Jackson wrote: 

"The ultimate Home Run King, Hank would often remind us to ‘Keep Swinging.’ He said, ‘My motto in life was to keep swinging, whether I was in a slump on the field, feeling bad or having trouble off the field — JUST KEEP SWINGING.’ I will miss you my friend, but you inspired me to KEEP SWINGING."

The Braves shared a photo of Aaron's number 44 jersey hanging in the locker room. 

The team also announced that Truist Park will be open to fans until 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on January 23. 

Falcons QB Matt Ryan acknowledged the impact Aaron had on Atlanta and the entire country.

It was in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium on April 8, 1974, that Aaron, in front of a sellout crowd hit the 715th home run of his career, breaking the mark of Babe Ruth.

 Barry Bonds, who broke Aaron’s home run record of 755, on Twitter:

"Thank you for everything you ever taught us, for being a trailblazer through adversity and setting an example for all of us African-American ballplayers who came after you. Being able to grow up and have the idols and role models I did, help shape me for a future I could have never dreamed of."

Former Commissioner Bud Selig issued the following statement:

"Not long ago, he and I were walking the streets of Washington, D.C, together and talking about how we’ve been the best of friends for more than 60 years. Then Hank said, ‘Who would have ever thought all those years ago that a Black kid from Mobile, Alabama, would break Babe Ruth’s home run record and a Jewish kid from Milwaukee would become the commissioner of baseball?’ Aaron was beloved by his teammates and by his fans. He was a true Hall of Famer in every way."

Commissioner Rob Manfred wrote:

"Hank symbolized the very best of our game, and his all-around excellence provided Americans and fans across the world with an example to which to aspire. His career demonstrates that a person who goes to work with humility every day can hammer his way into history — and find a way to shine like no other."

Braves Hall of Famer Chipper Jones on Twitter wrote:

"I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity." 

Braves first baseman and 2020 NL MVP Freddie Freeman shared:

"The word that keeps coming to me when I think about Hank Aaron Is Love. He was the epitome of it. Every conversation and every meeting you had with him he made you feel loved. A legend in every sense of the word, Hank has meant so much to me and so much to the Atlanta community and beyond. Hank was one of the greatest baseball players of all time, a champion civil rights activist and a role model for everyone. Thank you Mr. Aaron for everything you gave and taught. #Forever44." 

Baseball Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark released this statement:

"Hank Aaron’s incredible talent on the baseball field was only matched by his dignity and character, which shone brightly, not only here in Cooperstown, but with every step he took. His courage while pursuing the game’s all-time home run record served as an example for millions of people inside and outside of the sports world, who were also aspiring to achieve their greatest dreams."

Hall of Famer Willie Mays wrote:

"Hank was a great ballplayer who played hard every day and accomplished so much on and off the field. Although we were never teammates, we played in many All-Star games together and I enjoyed our friendship over the years. He was a very humble and quiet man and just simply a good guy."

Players’ union executive director Tony Clark wrote: 

"On the field, off the field, for 23 remarkable playing seasons and beyond, Hank Aaron was a Hall of Famer in every sense of the phrase. Generations of players have walked, and will continue to walk, on a trail that Hank Aaron blazed with his determination, courage, singular talent and grace."

Former Milwaukee Braves teammate and Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Uecker:

"We lost an icon today, one of the greatest athletes to ever wear a uniform. Wisconsin lost a legendary figure, and I lost a great teammate and friend. I will always cherish my time with Hank ... all the laughs we shared, and all the unforgettable stories. Hank loved Wisconsin, and we loved him back."

Houston manager Dusty Baker in a statement wrote:

"Hank Aaron was the most important influence on my life, next to my dad. He was the best person that I ever knew, and the truest, most honest person that I ever knew. He taught me how to be a man and how to be a proud African-American. He taught me how important it was to give back to the community, and he inspired me to become an entrepreneur."

Former Atlanta pitcher Tom House on Twitter wrote:

"Hank Aaron changed my life. The greatest moment I ever got to be a part of was catching 715. That moment bonded us forever as friends and teammates. We watched Hank shrug off the weight of the world and just keep swinging."

LA Dodgers 3B Justin Turner on Twitter wrote:

"Gibson, Ford, Brock, Seaver, Kaline, Morgan, Niekro, Lasorda, Sutton and now Hammerin Hank. We’ve lost some of the greatest to ever do it this year. @TommyLasorda is gonna have a hell of a roster to manage up there." 

Former player Joe Carter wrote: 

"When the RBI award came out in 1986, it was the Hank Aaron Award, and I was the first recipient of it, and I’ve got his jersey in my basement, hanging on the wall, right next to my Hank Aaron RBI trophy. What a tremendous ambassador for the game, what a great player, what a humanitarian. As far as I’m concerned, I still recognize him as the all-time home run leader."

Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson wrote:

"I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman and paved the way for other athletes like me to successfully transition into business. Hank Aaron is on the Mount Rushmore for the greatest baseball players of all time!" 

Aaron is survived by his wife, Billye, and their daughter, Ceci. He also had four children from his first marriage to Barbara Lucas — Gail, Hank Jr., Lary and Dorinda.

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