Hank Aaron exhibit closing soon at Atlanta History Center
More than a baseball story, Hank Aaron’s life was an inspiration to millions. Latest in ‘We the People.’
Editor’s note: This article is part of We the People, a series marking the upcoming 250th birthday of the United States of America by Gray Media, parent company of WANF Atlanta News First.
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An exhibit at the Atlanta History that chronicles the life and career of Henry Aaron is closing next month.
“Henry Aaron was an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. He moved to Atlanta with the Braves when they moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966,” said Timothy Frilingos, director of exhibitions for Atlanta History Center.
The exhibit, entitled, “More than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron,” tells the story of Aaron’s career, his personal life, his challenges and his impact in Atlanta and the rest of the world.
“What his story shows is really how baseball evolved in the 20th century how race relations in the United States evolved in the 20th century. It is more than just a baseball story. It is really this historical story of the 20th century,” said Frilingos.
Milestones like Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974 are documented, his work helping the Braves win the World Series in 1957, as well as his activism — breaking major racial barriers despite hate mail and death threats and despite the influences of Jim Crow.
“He was born in 1934, and at that time, Black baseball players were not allowed to play in the major leagues. That would be broken about 13 years later by Jackie Robinson,” said Frilingos.
“He continually was being told what he couldn’t do, and he just set out to prove people wrong,” said Frilingos. “In his business career, after his baseball career, he did things that no one had ever done.”
What his story shows is really how baseball evolved in the 20th century how race relations in the United States evolved in the 20th century. It is more than just a baseball story, it is really this historical story of the 20th century.“
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