Honouring a legend
Following are reactions to the death of Hank Aaron:
MLB COMMISSIONER ROBERT MANFRED
“Hank Aaron is near the top of everyone's list of all-time great players. His monumental achievements as a player were surpassed only by his dignity and integrity as a person.
“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 CHAIRMAN TERRY MCGUIRK
“He was a beacon for our organization, first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts.
“His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature.”
NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME CHAIR JANE FORBES CLARK
“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.”
THREE-TIME WORLD SERIES CHAMPION DAVID ORTIZ
“A legend on and off the ball field ... the best to ever do it ... RIP Mr Hank Aaron.”
ATLANTA MAYOR
KEISHA LANCE BOTTOMS
“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 MLB COMMISSIONER BUD SELIG
“Besides being one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Hank was a wonderful and dear person and a wonderful and dear friend.
“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, Ala., would break Babe Ruth's home run record and a Jewish kid from Milwaukee would become the commissioner of baseball?'”