The 50th anniversary of Hank Aaron hitting his historic 715th home run was celebrated in spectacular fashion, highlighting both the Hall of Famer’s legendary accomplishments and his lasting impact on the world beyond baseball.
The day was marked by two significant announcements, the unveiling of a new statue at Baseball’s Hall of Fame and the release of a commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service.
In Atlanta, baseball commissioner Rob Manfred helped honor Aaron’s legacy with another meaningful gesture—a $100,000 endowment for a scholarship at Tuskegee University, a historically Black institution in Aaron’s home state of Alabama. This scholarship reflects Aaron’s commitment to education and his desire to clear paths for minority athletes. Manfred also took the opportunity to shine a light on the Henry Louis Aaron Fund and the Chasing the Dream Foundation, both of which Aaron and his wife Billye launched to support education and equal opportunity for all.
Speaking at the Atlanta History Center, where a new exhibit honoring Aaron was unveiled, Manfred emphasized Aaron’s influence. “Hank’s legacy goes way beyond baseball,” he said, capturing the essence of a man who used his platform to create social change. The exhibit will remain open through the 2025 All-Star Game, giving visitors plenty of time to witness Aaron’s extraordinary journey.
Billye Aaron, who was in attendance, shared a personal memory of the moment her husband broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. She recalled feeling upset when two teenage fans ran onto the field as Hank rounded the bases. Though Billye felt they were stealing his moment, she noted that Hank remained calm and unbothered, showcasing his grace even in the biggest moments.
Today, we welcomed the @USPS and Mrs. Billye Aaron for the unveiling of a special Forever stamp honoring the life and legacy of our #44 💙
Available for purchase at your local Post Office or https://t.co/fbMzIAnIbX pic.twitter.com/p0lz25zzNS
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 31, 2024
In addition to the stamp, the Baseball Hall of Fame will unveil a bronze statue of Aaron on May 23, cementing his place among the greats in Cooperstown. Jane Forbes Clark, chair of the Hall of Fame, said that Hank’s legacy extends far beyond his 755 home runs and record-setting RBIs. She highlighted his philanthropic efforts and dedication to youth empowerment, calling him “an American hero.”
The U.S. Postal Service will soon release the commemorative stamp featuring Aaron in his iconic Braves uniform, a powerful image that will remind fans of his incredible achievements. Dusty Baker, who was on deck when Aaron hit his record-breaking home run, and Tom House, who caught the historic ball, were both present to honor their former teammate.
Monday’s ceremony was filled with heartfelt tributes. Dusty Baker, recently retired as the Houston Astros’ manager, described Aaron as a father figure who looked out for him when he first joined the Braves. As Aaron faced threats and racist hate mail during his home run chase, Baker and other teammates rallied around him for support.
Billye Aaron, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and other dignitaries took to the field to continue the celebration before the Braves’ game against the New York Mets. In the outfield, “715” was painted on the grass, serving as a reminder of the moment Hank Aaron changed the game forever.
Delta Airlines also made a major contribution, pledging $150,000 to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. In the same spirit, the Hank Aaron Invitational continues to encourage young players from diverse backgrounds to rise to higher levels of the game, including major league stars like Braves outfielder Michael Harris II.
As the tributes poured in, it became clear that Hank Aaron’s legacy is more than just numbers in the record books—it’s about the people he inspired and the opportunities he created.
