Hank Aaron

Imagine hitting more home runs than anyone in baseball history — and doing it while people treated you unfairly. That brave hitter was Hank Aaron, a major star from the 1950s through the 1970s.

Hank Aaron’s biggest claim to fame was breaking Babe Ruth’s career home run record. On April 8, 1974 he hit his 715th homer to pass Ruth and finished his career with 755 home runs.

He also collected 3,771 hits and was one of baseball’s most reliable stars. He earned many All-Star selections, won the 1957 National League MVP, and helped his team win the 1957 World Series.

While chasing records he got hateful letters and threats, but he kept playing with quiet strength. After retiring he stayed in baseball and helped young people, so his legacy is both athletic and inspirational.