Both of my parents were baseball fanatics. I mean, two of my mother’s favorite words were “Spring training.”
I grew up before there were all these cable channels. Before you could find entertainment on a cellphone or a tablet. The concept of having multiple televisions just wasn’t there. So, I had to learn about baseball and enjoy it, or I wouldn’t have been able to watch it at all. My parents loved certain players, and Hank Aaron was one spoken of in a revered tone.

It is with great sadness we share the passing of our home run king, Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/ZdRuhqIaet

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) January 22, 2021

He was one of the all-time greats.
Period.
And, a class act.

RIP😢😢

Hank Aaron, the Hall of Fame slugger whose 755 career home runs long stood as baseball's golden mark, has died.

He was 86. pic.twitter.com/etl7EcdUH8

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 22, 2021

“What a marvelous moment for baseball … What a marvelous moment for the country and the world.”

RIP Hank Aaron, one of the greatest of all time.pic.twitter.com/kjrvSK19BM

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) January 22, 2021

Aaron's career total of 755 home runs was surpassed in 2007 by Barry Bonds, whose own legacy was damaged by allegations of performance-enhancing drug use. But Aaron never begrudged. He said more than three decades as the king was long enough. https://t.co/2X0RutHI1y

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 22, 2021

As he closed in on a cherished home run record, Aaron was the target of extensive hate mail and was shadowed constantly by bodyguards. “If I was white, all America would be proud of me,” he said almost a year before he passed Ruth. “But I am black.” https://t.co/aZhLN1neNN

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 22, 2021

“My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.” -Hank Aaron

His motto should become our motto. Never give up & always keep swinging! Rest In Peace Mr. Aaron! #RIPHankAaron https://t.co/sLUri19D9U

— Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) January 22, 2021

“Hammerin’ Hank” set many career hitting records during a 23-year career spent mostly with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, including RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. But the Hall of Famer will be remembered for one swing above all others. https://t.co/dq49aeZoGm

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron donated his memorabilia, but he kept his hate mail. He never forgot how America treated him. America shouldn’t, either. https://t.co/OkJklJhDqu

— Stephanie Apstein (@stephapstein) January 22, 2021

Interesting article on Billye Aaron, widow of the late Hank Aaron

Billye Jewel Suber Aaron – DESTINED TO MAKE HISTORY – Atlanta's Black History Makers https://t.co/PD0VgKrlAA

— PragmaticObotsUnite (@PragObots) January 22, 2021

Cool article from May 2017 Detroit Free Press about Hank Aaron.

Hank Aaron was in Ann Arbor recently to watch his granddaughter graduate from University of Michigan. https://t.co/VaNViz6B55

— PragmaticObotsUnite (@PragObots) January 22, 2021

The first two lines of Hank Aaron’s bio on the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s website. That’s a legacy. pic.twitter.com/OFLSZGt0sB

— Tyler Greever (@Tyler_Greever) January 22, 2021

Today, the world lost a true baseball legend.

Hank Aaron was arguably one of the greatest players of all time and achieved greatness in an environment that was often hostile to Black players.

His legacy will endure forever and he will be truly missed.

— James E. Clyburn (@RepJamesClyburn) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron offered probably the best combination of honor and accomplishment ever for an athlete. Interviewed him once, and he was a gentleman. Told him afterwards it was an honor to talk to him, shook his hand and have never forgotten it. The best of men and best of players. https://t.co/ldqoVaVC6u

— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) January 22, 2021

Always loved this story: Letterman, Hank Aaron and an impeached President. pic.twitter.com/P6KQQ0czLW

— Martine St-Victor (@MartineMontreal) January 22, 2021

It's impossible to overstate the importance and impact that Hank Aaron had on baseball, Atlanta and the Southhttps://t.co/ZM1JVBKvHj

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 22, 2021

It’s hard to overstate just how good Hank Aaron was on the field. He still ranks #1 all-time in total bases — and he’s so far ahead of #2 (Musial) that Barry Bonds’ 2001 and 2004 seasons *combined* wouldn’t get Stan the Man over the top. #SABR bio: https://t.co/aWh357tGhh pic.twitter.com/riUuqGaQG5

— SABR (@sabr) January 22, 2021

His dignity unsurpassed.The embodiment of Black Excellence before the term was conceived.He took the arrows,knives and venom of hatred and racism in stride without missing a step.Breaking records but never broken.King of baseball’s kingdom sans a crown. 👑 pic.twitter.com/5JcrByQ6wA

— MC HAMMER e/acc (@MCHammer) January 22, 2021