Bonds thanks Aaron for being a trailblazer
The sports community mourned the loss of one of the greatest players in baseball history Friday as Henry “Hank” Aaron died at the age of 86.
Aaron, who played 23 seasons in the major leagues and finished his career with 755 home runs, was the all-time leader in home runs until Giants left fielder Barry Bonds surpassed him in 2007.
Bonds was among the former players who posted to social media Friday to honor Aaron’s legacy and celebrate the life of one of the sport’s greatest trailblazers.
“I want to send my heartfelt and warmest condolences to the Aaron family on their loss today,” Bonds wrote on Twitter. “I was lucky enough to spend time with Hank during several occasions during my career and have always had the deepest respect
and admiration for all that he did both on and off the field. He is an icon, a legend and a true hero to so many, who will forever be missed.”
A spokesman for the Aaron
family said the Hall of Fame slugger passed away peacefully in his sleep and the news of his death was confirmed by the Atlanta Braves.
The Mobile, Alabama native surpassed Babe Ruth to become the home run king when he blasted his 715th career homer on April 8, 1975 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Aaron finished his career in 1976 and remained atop the home run leaderboard until Bonds hit his 756th career home run in San Francisco on Aug. 7, 2007.
“Hank Aaron — thank you for everything you taught us, for being a trailblazer through adversity and setting an example for all of us African American ball players who came after you,” Bonds wrote Friday. “Being able to grow up and have the role models I did, help shape me for a future I could have never dreamed of. Hank’s passing will be felt by all of us who love the game and his impact will be forever cemented in my heart.”
Aaron’s career coincided with that of Willie Mays, who is the oldest living member of the Baseball Hall of Fame at 89. Hours after news of Aaron’s death was made public, Mays released his own statement through the Giants honoring a player he considered a friend.
“I am very sad today to hear about the passing of Hank Aaron,” Mays said. “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 Giants also posted photos of Aaron to social media Friday alongside a message that read, “A legend on and off the field. The Giants join the rest of the MLB community in mourning the passing of Hank Aaron. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”