BREAKING: Hank Aaron, the baseball legend who endured racist threats with stoic dignity as he broke Babe Ruth's career home run record, has died at 86. apne.ws/KdCfkRy
“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. apne.ws/q7FRCLX
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.” apne.ws/h3Hrc22
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. apne.ws/clcqkhb
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