Hank Aaron – 755 HR
If Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record had to fall after nearly four decades, it would be difficult to find a more deserving and fitting person to do it than Hank Aaron. As crazy as it sounds for someone who held the record for over 30 years in his own right, one could argue that Aaron was relatively underrated and underappreciated during and after his big league career.
Never the showman or celebrity that some of his predecessors and contemporaries were, “Hammerin’ Hank” just let his skills at the plate do the talking. Consistency and dedication were his keys to breaking Ruth’s home run record. He led the league in round-trippers a rather modest four times during his 23-year career, and never hit more than 47 in a single season. No wild 60+ homer campaigns to be found. However, Aaron was as reliable with the bat as they came during his prime.
From 1957 to 1973 (17 seasons!) with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, Aaron averaged 38 homers and 149 games played per year. Over that span he never hit fewer than 24 long balls in a season. By the time the 1974 season began, Aaron had 713 home runs to his name – only one behind the Babe’s legendary mark.
Aaron doesn’t get enough credit for enduring the hatred and racism which followed him as he approached Ruth’s record. The grace and dignity he showed in the face of ugliness is as much a part of his legacy as any home run total. He tied the Babe on Opening Day of the 1974 campaign and then hit his 715th homer to surpass him four days later.
Aaron would play two more seasons, pushing his career home run mark to 755. He’s been one of baseball’s most beloved icons and respected ambassadors ever since.
Next: The Pariah