On This Day in History

Baseball Legend Hank Aaron Born on This Day in 1934

Clay Cane
February 5, 2026

Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron eyes the flight of the ball after hitting his 715th career homer in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta, Ga., Monday, April 8, 1974. The Atlanta Braves launched Hank Aaron Week on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when the U.S. Postal Service dedicated a commemorative forever stamp honoring Aaron during a ceremony at Truist Park. The stamp was announced on April 8, the 50th anniversary of Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)

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(AURN News) — On this day, Feb. 5, 1934, baseball legend Hank Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Aaron began his professional career in the Negro Leagues before entering Major League Baseball in 1954, during a period when the game was still grappling with racial integration.

Hall of Famer Hank Aaron waves to the crowd during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Sunday, July 28, 2013, in Cooperstown, N.Y. The Atlanta Braves launched Hank Aaron Week on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, when the U.S. Postal Service dedicated a commemorative forever stamp honoring Aaron during a ceremony at Truist Park. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)

Over 23 seasons with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, and later the Milwaukee Brewers, Aaron built a career defined by consistency, power and quiet excellence. He shattered numerous records, retiring as baseball’s all-time leader in home runs, RBI, total bases and extra-base hits.

Aaron famously broke Babe Ruth’s home run record while enduring relentless racism and death threats, yet he never allowed hatred to derail his focus or performance. His resilience reshaped the sport and cemented his place as a symbol of perseverance both on and off the field.

Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter, right, and Delaware Gov. Sherman Tribbitt say hello to Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron, left, following a rain canceled game with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 27, 1973. (AP Photo, File)

In 1982, Aaron was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving one of the highest vote totals in history.

Hank Aaron died in 2021 at age 86, leaving behind a legacy that transcends baseball and continues to inspire generations.

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Clay Cane is an award-winning journalist, writer, radio host, and political commentator. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in African-American Studies, his work on race, culture, and politics have appeared in national publications, including the Washington Post, CNN, and The Grio. Clay is a regular political commentator on MSNBC. Twitter: @claycane