Sunday, April 23, 2023

On this day w/ 'Hammerin' Hank'

 On this day, April 23, in 1954

"Hammerin' Hank" Hank Aaron hit the first home run of his Major League Baseball career against the St. Louis Cardinals. Twenty years later, Aaron becomes baseball’s new home run king when he broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing record of 714 career homers. A native of Mobile, Ala., Aaron began his professional baseball career in 1952 in the Negro League and joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1954. Aaron was the last Negro League player to compete in the majors. He won the NL batting title in 1956. Aaron was MLB's MVP the following season and helped the Braves beat Mickey Mantle and the heavily favored New York Yankees in the World Series. In 1959, Aaron won his second league batting title. “Hammerin’ Hank” hit .300 or higher for 14 seasons and slugged at least 40 homers in eight seasons. In May 1970, he became the first player in baseball to record 500 homers and 3,000 hits. (History.com 04/23/23) Hank Aaron hits first home run of his MLB career (history.com)

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