Happy Birthday Hammerin’ Hank

ByDavid

What does it mean to be truly great?

Is it about one record-breaking moment, or is it about showing up, day after day, and delivering excellence over time?

Birthdays are special, and today we celebrate the birthday of a truly special man: the late, great Hammerin’ Hank Aaron (1934–2021).

My words can’t do him justice. Hank Aaron was more than a baseball legend—he was a transcendent figure, a great human being, and one of the best players to ever step onto the field.

So why is Hammerin’ Hank Aaron so special to me?

Well, I love baseball and Aaron was the all-time home run leader for 31 years, until Barry Bonds surpassed him. And here’s the thing—he only led the league in home runs four times in his 23-year career. His greatness wasn’t about a single explosive season. It was about consistency and persistence.

I felt connected to him early on. My little league tee-ball team was called the Braves, and I even remember my mom buying me an embroidered Atlanta Braves patch.

And then there was the question I kept getting from the kids at school: Are you related to Hank Aaron?

Over the years, my answers evolved:

  • I don’t think so.
  • No.
  • No, we spell our names differently.
  • Yes.

(Why not, right?)

I’d love to see the Atlanta Braves rename themselves The Hammers—not just as a tribute to Aaron’s impact on baseball, but for all the right reasons.

Happy birthday, Hammerin’ Hank.

What do you think?

See you tomorrow!

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