Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron, baseball’s home run king and Atlanta’s favorite player, died Friday. He was 86.
Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued the following statement:
”Derek, our family and I join the nation in sending heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Billye Aaron, the beautiful wife of Henry “Hank” Aaron for nearly 50 years, and the entire family. This is a considerable loss for the entire city of Atlanta. 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. As an adopted son of Atlanta, Mr. Aaron was part of the fabric that helped place Atlanta on the world stage. Our gratitude, thoughts and prayers are with the Aaron family.”
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond said: “DeKalb County mourns the loss of Hank Aaron, America’s home run king. Hank was more than baseball. He was a leader, philanthropist, and civil rights icon. Inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame and named one of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, Hank Aaron’s tremendous impact on Atlanta and the world will live on for generations”
They weren’t the only official to mark Aaron’s passing. Politicians and other dignitaries posted tributes and condolences for his family.
Sports teams, both near and far, and athletes honored Aaron on social media, too.
Baseball great Willie Mays issued this statement: “I am very sad today to hear about the passing of Hank Aaron. 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. I have so many fond memories of Hank and will miss him very much.”
The history maker was also honored by numerous organizations, from the the King Center to the History channel.
In a joint statement on Aaron’s death, Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council, said: “The Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Atlanta Sports Council are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of sports legend and beloved community leader Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron. Aaron embodied the spirit of courage and perseverance that define metro Atlanta. He touched and inspired so many lives far beyond the sports world, and he will continue to do so for generations to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Aaron family and join the rest of the world in mourning the loss of such an incredible man. He will be missed.”
Celebrities also shared their memories, condolences and grief.
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