Atlanta Braves legends honor one of their own with the passing of Hank Aaron on Friday.
The Atlanta Braves are mourning the passing of yet another one of their own, this time the greatest player in franchise history. “The Home Run King” Hank Aaron passed away at the age of 86 on Friday morning. This comes weeks after Phil Niekro’s passing and days removed from Don Sutton’s. While all three are Baseball Hall of Famers, Aaron was a top-three player all time.
Despite having several hall-of-fame players in their team history, Braves baseball starts and ends with Aaron. He was a champion and was the best ambassador for the game of baseball and the city of Atlanta you would ever hope to come across. Braves legends like Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Dale Murphy, Freddie Freeman, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine paid their respects.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021
Braves Country is absolutely devastated over the passing of Hammerin’ Hank
As soon as the world heard of Aaron’s passing, all of Braves Country reflected on what Aaron meant to the game of baseball and what he meant to their favorite big-league team.
I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant.....but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 22, 2021
We lost a legend. 🐐 R.I.P my friend @HenryLouisAaron 🙏🏾@Braves @baseballhall pic.twitter.com/Zk3jYagpxV
— Andruw Jones (@andruwjones25) January 22, 2021
Nancy and I pass our condolences to all of Hank's family today. So saddened to hear the news of Hank's passing. There was a certain spirit, even a reverence, when in Hank Aaron's presence that you could feel. Grace, strength, integrity. We were blessed to have known him. @Braves
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) January 22, 2021
The word that keeps coming to me when I think about Hank Aaron Is Love. He was the epitome of it. Every conversation and every meeting you had with him he made you feel loved. A legend in every sense of the word, Hank has meant so much to me and so much to
— Freddie Freeman (@FreddieFreeman5) January 22, 2021
Whether it was either of the Joneses, Murphy, Freeman, Glavine, Smoltz or current skipper Brian Snitker, everybody associated with the Braves had nothing but the nicest things to say about their franchise’s beloved icon.
Braves legends Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux reflect on THE Braves legend, Hank Aaron:
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) January 22, 2021
“When I got drafted by the Braves, I’d didn’t know a whole lot about Atlanta, but I knew Hank Aaron” pic.twitter.com/cE01iachfe
Brian Snitker reflects on the life of @Braves legend and sports icon Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/qWnJa9G33O
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) January 22, 2021
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) January 22, 2021
The Braves may have won may more prolifically in the years since Aaron’s retirement, but he was the ultimate tone-setter for what this organization stood for. Every former Braves star with a plaque in Cooperstown, New York or ever plans to have one understands firmly how important he was to the community and the sport they loved to play. Heck, they grew up idolizing him!
Without Hank Aaron, there is no Atlanta Braves baseball, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise.