Even though Hank Aaron passed away nine months and one week prior to the World Series’ return to Georgia on Friday night, his influence could still be felt.
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Tribute To Hank Aaron a Touching Moment For Dusty Baker
His number 44 was honoured on the grass in centre field at Truist Park. Hank Jr. was joined on the mound by his wife of 48 years, Billye Aaron, and their four kids when he threw out the first pitch to current club star Freddie Freeman.
Aaron’s former colleague Baker, who is currently the manager of the Houston Astros, walked onto the top step of the Astros’ dugout and waved at Billye in the on-deck circle as well as the four young pitchers.
He ran onto the field and crossed the baseline to hug Aaron’s kids after pretending to make a pitching change.
A two-minute video tribute to the 755 home run hitter was screened for both the sold-out audience in this location and a national broadcast audience. In spite of receiving threats to his life, Robinson hit his 715th home run at Fulton County Stadium that year, passing Babe Ruth, and he went on to become something of a civil rights legend.
Inform Her of My Grief Over Hank’s Absence.
Before Game 3, Freeman said, “That man loved all of us.” Anyone with whom he interacted could not help but feel the unreserved love he emanated. His presence here to witness this is my sole remaining hope. I shudder at the sheer concept of that.
Aaron played for the Braves for 21 seasons, moving from Milwaukee to Atlanta and then back to Milwaukee for his final two. The 25-time All-Star ranks second in total bases (6,856), first in runs batted in (2,297), and third in hits in baseball history (3,771).
He was in the forefront in 1999, the year the Braves last competed in the World Series, when Major League Baseball unveiled its All-Century team at Turner Field prior to Game 2.
Pete Rose earned a larger standing ovation than Aaron did the previous night. Rose had been suspended from baseball for betting on games, but commissioner Bud Selig had granted him a temporary reprieve.
Final Words
On Friday, Snitker described him as a “really, very good friend.” He was a dependable buddy who never failed to come to my aid. I remember that even when he called, the first thing he would ask was, “How’s the family doing?” even back when I was a young manager.
Are there any additional needs? He would always remark, “You let me know if I can ever do anything for you,” after each off-season visit.
A Black man is receiving a standing ovation in the Deep South for breaking the record of an all-time baseball great, says Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, on the evening of April 8, 1974, when Aaron hits a home run to exceed Babe Ruth’s mark.
Baker was waiting for his turn at bat. Thanks for reading our article Tribute To Hank Aaron a Touching Moment For Dusty Baker.
