Hank Aaron was one of the all-time greats (Pool Photo - USA Today Sports)
Hank Aaron was one of the all-time greats (Pool Photo - USA Today Sports)

Cubs News: Hall of Famer Hank Aaron passes away


by - Senior Editor -

Tough news to report today as baseball lost another legend and pioneer.

Hall of Famer Hank Aaron has passed away this morning at the age of 86.

Muhammad Ali once said the following about Aaron, "The only man I idolize more than myself."

Aaron was one of the most iconic players in the history of baseball as he finished his career with 755 home runs in a non-steroid era, second all-time to Barry Bonds' 762.

Hammerin' Hank was also an MLB-record 21-time All-Star (25x total) and had an impressive 3,771 hits. He was a model of consistent play as he slugged 24 to 47 homers for 19 straight seasons.

He remains baseball's RBI leader with 2,297 and total bases with 6,856.

Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk released the following heartfelt statement about Aaron's passing.

“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank. He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature. Henry Louis Aaron wasn’t just our icon, but one across Major League Baseball and around the world. His success on the diamond was matched only by his business accomplishments off the field and capped by his extraordinary philanthropic efforts.

We are heartbroken and thinking of his wife Billye and their children Gaile, Hank, Jr., Lary, Dorinda and Ceci and his grandchildren.”

MLB released the following statement.

"We are devastated by the passing of Hammerin’ Hank Aaron, one of the greatest players and people in the history of our game. He was 86."

Against the Cubs, he feasted on them hitting .337 over 179 games including 50 home runs at Wrigley Field. Overall, he homered off 310 pitchers including 13 Hall-of-Famers.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

RIP, No. 44, and prayers to his family, friends, and the entire baseball community.

More to come on this breaking story.

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