Hank Aaron Honored: Statue, Stamp Mark 50th Anniversary
Fifty years have passed since Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run, a momentous occasion in baseball history. To commemorate this milestone, Hank Aaron is posthumously honored with both a statue and a USPS stamp.
Billye Aaron, Hank Aaron’s widow, expressed her belief that her late husband would have been delighted by the statue. She highlighted his aspiration to inspire young people, acknowledging his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
In addition to the statue, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced the release of a commemorative stamp featuring Hank Aaron. The stamp displays a digital painting capturing the moment Aaron hit his record-breaking 715th home run on April 8, 1974. The first-day issue and dedication ceremony for the stamp will be announced at a later date.
Hank Aaron’s illustrious baseball career spanned 23 years, during which he played for the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers. On that historic April day in 1974, Aaron’s 715th home run surpassed Babe Ruth’s long-standing record, solidifying his place in baseball history. By the end of his career, Aaron had amassed a total of 755 home runs, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds surpassed it with 762 home runs from 1986 to 2007, albeit with assistance from performance-enhancing drugs.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, Hank Aaron’s legacy extends beyond his impressive home run record. He was a 25-time All-Star and set records for RBIs (2,297), extra-base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856). His impact on the sport continues to be felt even after his passing in January 2021.
The statue and stamp serve as lasting tributes to Hank Aaron’s remarkable contributions to baseball and society, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.
