Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones Pay Tribute to Hall of Famer Hank Aaron After His Death

Figures around the sports world took to social media to express their memories and condolences of the one-time home run king.

Elizabeth Swinton | Jan 22, 2021

The sports world suffered a major loss on Friday with the news of Hank Aaron's death.

Aaron, 86, played 23 seasons in MLB from 1954 to '76 and is ranked second all-time in career home runs (755) behind Barry Bonds (762). A 25-time All-Star, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

One of the most memorable moments of Aaron's career came when he hit home run No. 715 on April 8, 1974, and surpassed Babe Ruth on MLB's all-time home run list. The record stood until Aug. 7, 2007, until it was surpassed by Bonds.

Home run No. 715 for Hank Aaron with Vin Scully on the call ❤️

(via @MLBVault)pic.twitter.com/79qxOn4PJr
— SI MLB (@si_mlb) January 22, 2021

Aaron holds the record for most runs batted in (2,297), extra-base hits (1,477) and total bases (6,856). He earned batting titles during the 1956 and 1959 seasons and was also a three-time gold glove winner.

Aaron spent 21 of his 23 seasons in MLB with the Braves and won his lone World Series title in 1957. The right fielder and first baseman received the MVP award that season after he recorded a league-high 118 runs, 44 home runs and 132 RBIs.

Aaron played in the Negro leagues and minor leagues before making his MLB debut in April 1954 with the Braves, then in Milwaukee, at 20 years of age. He retired at the age of 42 as a member of the Brewers.

Earlier this month, Aaron was in the news when he received the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraged other Black Americans to do the same.

Figures around MLB and the sports world took to social media to express their memories and condolences of the former home run king.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barry L Bonds (@blbonds25)

I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime. He had every right to be angry or militant.....but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity. RIP Henry Aaron! #HammerinHank
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 22, 2021

Hank... my dad and Grandfather raved about you. Thanks for changing the game of baseball... but more importantly thanks for bringing America together through love in a time of such great hate.

Heaven is a good place. #RIPHankAaron pic.twitter.com/D2m7fa4CXs
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) January 22, 2021

I’m speechless! RIP to the greatest of all time Mr. Hank Aaron!! I’m just stunned. Hank was the standard of greatness for me. The one man who I acted like a kid around star struck always! He was the definition of class! God Bless you and your family!! #HRKing#HammeringHank🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) January 22, 2021

One of the best to ever play our game.

MLB Network mourns the passing of Hank Aaron. pic.twitter.com/SJVCidT8w0
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 22, 2021

Bruh😫😫😫😫 https://t.co/CUlhM6egcf
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 22, 2021

Heartbroken to see another true friend & pioneer has passed away. @HenryLouisAaron was so much better than his reputation! His contributions were much more than just baseball. Jeannine & I send our 🙏🏾 & deepest condolences to his wife & kids. #RIPHammeringHank #RIP @MLB @Braves pic.twitter.com/ONO49xEOKQ
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 22, 2021

Commissioner Rob Manfred on the great Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/HVcLQXCAu0
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 22, 2021

Statement from Bud Selig on Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/yd3wmd95bG
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) January 22, 2021

One of the highlights of my career was being Henry Aaron’s teammate in the ‘75 All Star Game. A huge presence on and off the field. ⁦@Braves⁩ ⁦@MLB⁩ #classpersonified #RIP pic.twitter.com/0XzjNk2gwy
— Fred Lynn (@19fredlynn) January 22, 2021

Astros manager Dusty Baker, reached this morning in California, was devastated to learn of the passing of friend and mentor Hank Aaron, saying: "He was second only to my dad, and my dad meant the world to me." pic.twitter.com/x0P5MNfDmc
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 22, 2021

Statement from Executive Director Tony Clark on the passing of Hank Aaron: pic.twitter.com/bAc4vNAgn8
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) January 22, 2021

Rest in Peace to American hero, icon, and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. I still remember where I was back in the day when he set the record, at that time, to become the home run all time leader. While a legendary athlete, Hank Aaron was also an extraordinary businessman...
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 22, 2021

A legend on and off the ball field... the best to ever do it... RIP Mr Hank Aaron 🙏🏿 #44 pic.twitter.com/3LH6iB9auV
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) January 22, 2021

RIP Hank! Thank you for showing us how to be better by doing better, both on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/KiFYLLDNyp
— Eduardo Perez (@PerezEd) January 22, 2021

One of the happiest moments of my life. RIP to the Greatest of All Time. pic.twitter.com/y71WHv5yzy
— Taylor Trammell (@Taytram24) January 22, 2021

RIP Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron! Sad sad day. Thankful for your heroism! 🖤 pic.twitter.com/oyfWfr0M80
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021