Baseball Legend Hank Aaron Dead at 86

Legendary baseball player Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron passed away on Friday (January 22) morning at the age of 86, which his daughter confirmed to WSB-TV in Atlanta. 

Aaron was a record 25-time All-Star, who played almost exclusively with the Atlanta Braves during his Major League Baseball career, which spanned from 1954-76. Aaron famously passed Babe Ruth on the all-time home run leaderboard in 1974 with his 715th shot, and he finished his career with 755. His record was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007 with 762.

Aaron set other records in MLB, including being the current all-time leader in RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856). He ranks third in career hits (3,771), and he was the first player in MLB history to reach 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. 

Other accolades include being the National League MVP in 1957, the year the Braves won the World Series, a two-time NL batting champion (1956, '59), and a three-time Gold Glove winner in right field (1958-60). 

Atlanta Braves chairman Terry McGuirk reacted to the news of Aaron's death, stating, "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.