Hank Aaron dead at 86: Atlantans remember baseball icon

Baseball icon Hank Aaron has died at 86 and his death has rocked Atlantans.

The Hall of Famer and former Braves slugger is as embedded in the city’s history as peaches are to Georgia, having spent nine years playing in the Big Peach before becoming the vice president of team development in 1976. That was two years after he broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. And Aaron’s new job led him to become one of the first Black people in upper management in Major League Baseball.

ExploreBaseball great Henry ‘Hank’ Aaron, 86, passes into history

The home run king called Atlanta home and residents embraced him. Now, they’re reflecting on losing the legend.

So honored to be a native Atlantan where I’d see Hank Aaron often. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. May he rest in POWER!! 🙏🏽⚾️He is one of the reasons I will always love the Braves. #hankaaron #RIP #baseball #Atlanta #Braves #legend #legendary pic.twitter.com/oIajemVxxb
— 💚💗AKAQuietStorm88😉😊⚡️♨️ (@ksb1908) January 22, 2021

Man I’m so sad... My grandfather loved Hank Aaron. He would watch him and the Braves all the time definitely the main reason why I love the Braves now.
— I’m Bad @ Tekken (@ATLWiley) January 22, 2021

Don Sutton and now Hank Aaron? A sad week for @MLB
and #bravescountry.
— Zane Wind (@zanewind) January 22, 2021

This superstar... One of the greatest baseball players of all time seemed to genuinely care about what I was saying. He made me feel like I was 10 ft tall. That was Hank Aaron. An incredible human being who will always be remembered as such. We'll miss you, Hammer. #RIPHankAaron
— Sam Franco (@samjfranco) January 22, 2021

My memories of Hank Aaron will always be positive. Super gracious man. Once brought the boy to meet him at an event, and didn’t have anything to sign. He had someone go print a jpeg from the internet for him. Crappy picture, but a story to remember. #RIP 😢 pic.twitter.com/PXPxYYfbNB
— J.W. Cannon (@cannonjw) January 22, 2021

ExploreDignitaries, celebrities and more react to ‘considerable loss’ of Hank Aaron

It wasn’t only his contributions to the MLB and sports at large that made Atlantans weep virtually or otherwise. Aaron was long a supporter of civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and his impact on humanity and human rights were not forgotten.

A true legend who had to suffer horrible racism throughout his career and death threats after he beat Ruth's record. A class act!
RIP Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/R3SdCvZcpX
— John C. Varner III (@LilHulkQ) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron made humanity better.

He will forever be loved and forever be missed. #RipHankAaron

@Braves @680TheFan #ForTheA #Braves #BravesCountry #HankAaron
— HometeamBrandonLeak (@HometeamBleak) January 22, 2021

One of my earliest heroes and role models was Hank Aaron. When I was very young I listened to an audiobook ab him every night when going to bed. It's where I first learned ab racial discrimination and civil rights. Rest in power Hank!
— Chris Sandbach (@sandbach1023) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron was a hero. For baseball. For Civil Rights. For Atlanta. This one is hard to stomach. What a great man.
— Drew Kiñg (@DrewKing0) January 22, 2021

ExploreRelive the night Hank Aaron hit No. 715 in Atlanta

Many simply shared how much of an impact the right fielder had on the city.

Atlanta is in mourning today. ..... RIP “Hammering” Hank Aaron https://t.co/nfm7w1wBDt
— Libby Whittemore💙🪷🇺🇦 (@libbage55) January 22, 2021

Just heard about Hank Aaron and my heart is broken! If you’re an Atlanta sports fan you know how much of a legend he is in Atlanta 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— Alicia (@RosnerAlicia) January 22, 2021

Don’t think it’s a bold take to call Hank Aaron the greatest athlete in the history of Atlanta sports. I don’t think there’s even a close second behind him.
— Adnan Ikic (@SayWhichWay) January 22, 2021

Oh no! forever iconic in baseball & Atlanta.... thank you for all your service to us all, Hank Aaron!
— Laura LaHiff 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@MyBlueHighHeels) January 22, 2021

About the Author

Kiersten Willis

Kiersten Willis is a Georgia-born content producer for the revenue content team with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She has a special focus on Atlanta celebrity and entertainment news.