Hank Aaron

On this date in 1977, the Braves retire Hank Aaron's uniform number 44.

"You are not going to break this record established by the great Babe Ruth if I can help it. Whites are far more superior than jungle bunnies. My gun is watching your every black move." - letter received by Aaron while closing in on Babe Ruth's all-time home run record

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run breaking Babe Ruth's career all-time home run record.

"I don't want them to forget Babe Ruth. I just want them to remember me."

Alex Grammas

Born on this date, Alex Grammas.

"I was 17 years old when I first came up with the Cardinals, just up from high school. My first night on the bench, Henry Aaron was up with a couple of guys on. I liked Henry Aaron a lot growing up. I let out with one of those 'Come on, Henry!' or something to that effect. Everyone naturally looked at me and Alex Grammas came over and said, 'You know, up here in the big leagues, we tend to cheer for our players, not the opposition.'" - Tim McCarver

Hank Aaron

Born on this date, Hank Aaron.

"I tried a lot of things in the off-season, but the only thing I really know is baseball."

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1982, Hank Aaron is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"When Henry came up, I heard them yell, 'Hit that nigger! Hit that nigger!' Then Henry hit the ball against the clock. The next time he came up, they said, 'Walk him! Walk him!'"- Herbert Aaron, Henry's father  

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1957, Hank Aaron wins the NL MVP Award.

"He was doing that Muhammad Ali thing but nobody knew it." - Dusty Baker on how Aaron would call his home run shots in advance including number 715

Roger Clemens

On this date in 1986, Roger Clemens wins the AL Cy Young Award unanimously.

"I wish he (Hank Aaron) was still playing. I'd probably crack his head open to show him how valuable I was." - after Hank Aaron commented that pitchers should not be allowed to win the MVP Award

Roger Maris

On this date in 1961, Roger Maris is named the AL MVP.

"Now they talk on the radio about the records set by Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Hank Aaron. But they rarely mention mine. Do you know what I have to show for the 61 home runs? Nothing, exactly nothing."

Judy Johnson

On this date in 1975, Negro great Judy Johnson is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"I got my boss out of bed and told him I had a good prospect and he would not cost too much. My boss cussed me and said $3500 was too much money." - while a scout for the Kansas City Athletics and trying to sign Hank Aaron then with the Indianapolis Clowns 

Andy Messersmith

Born on today's date, Andy Messersmith.

"I'll lay it right in." - on how he will pitch to Hank Aaron if he faces him as Aaron goes for his 715th home run

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1982, Hank Aaron is inducted into the Hall of Fame.

"I came here to hit, not to read." - responding to Yogi Berra who told him to turn his bat around so he could read the label and not break the bat

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1976, Hank Aaron hits his 755th, and final, home run of his career off Dick Drago of the Angels in a 6-2 win by the Brewers.

"The pitcher has got only a ball. I've got a bat. So the percentages in weapons is in my favor and I let the fellow with the ball do the fretting."

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1970, Hank Aaron collects his 3000th hit.

"It took me 17 years to get 3000 hits in baseball. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course."

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1977, the Braves retire Hank Aaron's uniform number 44.

"Last year, I was sort of a kid and I was a little scared. I ain't scared no more." - 1955

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1974, Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run breaking Babe Ruth's career all-time record.

"I don't want them to forget Babe Ruth. I just want them to remember me." 

Brad Komminsk

Born on today's date, Brad Komminsk.

"The greatest prospect I've ever seen." - Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron

On this date in 1954, Milwaukee Braves outfielder, Bobby Thomson breaks his ankle while sliding into a base during a spring training game. Thomson is replaced by promising prospect, Hank Aaron.

"But that sort of thing didn't worry me as much as the idea of playing ball against white boys. I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life that you're inferior, it makes you wonder if the other guys have something you've never seen before." 

Hank Aaron

 

On this date in 1982, Hank Aaron is elected to the Hall of Fame.

"I don't see pitches down the middle anymore. Not even in batting practice." (1973)

Roger Maris

On this date in 1961, Roger Maris is named the AL MVP.

"Now they talk on the radio about the records set by Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio and Hank Aaron. But they rarely mention mine. Do you know what I have to show for the 61 home runs? Nothing, exactly nothing."

Andy Messersmith

Born on today's date, Andy Messersmith.

"I'll lay it right in." - on how he will pitch to Hank Aaron if he faces him as Aaron goes for his 715th home run