WORLD REACTS WITH SADNESS AND REVERENCE

“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 BARACK OBAMA

“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.”

— HALL OF FAMER CHIPPER JONES 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.”

— BARRY BONDS, WHO BROKE AARON’S HOME RUN RECORD

“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.”

— FORMER COMMISSIONER BUD SELIG

“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.”

— COMMISSIONER ROB MANFRED

“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.”

— HOUSTON MANAGER DUSTY BAKER

“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.”

— FORMER PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH

“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.”

— FORMER ATLANTA PITCHER TOM HOUSE ON TWITTER

“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.”

— L.A. DODGERS THIRD BASEMAN JUSTIN TURNER ON TWITTER

“As a child, Hank Aaron hid under his bed when the KKK stormed through his neighborhood. As an 18 year old, he left Mobile, Alabama, with two sandwiches and two dollars. He retired as baseball’s home run king and died today a hero. So inspiring.” — ESPN PRODUCER

PAUL HEMBEKIDES

“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 alltime 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.”