This morning the City of Mobile and the world of baseball lost an amazing legend and wonderful humanitarian - Henry "Hank" Aaron aka "Hammerin Hank."
It is hard to count how many times I uttered the words "Hank Aaron Stadium" (or "the Hank") while on the air over the years, as the station did so many events at the stadium. But also as a baseball fan, my family and I attended many Baybears games. The Atlanta Braves have always been my favorite team because of Hank Aaron and his amazing life and legacy.
I was proud to be at the Grand Opening of his Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum years ago. I remember seeing the trucks actually moving his childhood house from nearby Toulminville to the Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, it was an impressive sight! At the ceremony, I was about 10 feet from Mr. Aaron and other Hall of Famers at the event...it was wonderful to see history right before my eyes. Hank Aaron Stadium will be open tomorrow (Sat 1/23/21) from 10am-5pm. Feel free to go by and pay your respects by walking through The Hank Aaron Childhood Home & Museum. The museum is free admission and will be open the same times as the stadium.
If you are a Mobilian who loved Hank Aaron like we did, you need to hear the interview below. (Scroll down). We spoke to longtime friend of 95 KSJ, Mike Callahan, who was the Assistant GM for 14 years with The Mobile Baybears. He reflected on some wonderful moments with Hank (who he calls Mr. Aaron), like their local road trips to get seafood, Hank's Chasing the Dream Foundation, conversations about his past, and more. It was emotional and sweet, give it a listen when you can. It is the bottom of this page.
Hank Aaron was born in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 5, 1934. He headed a long list of outstanding players who came from here too — Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Billy Williams and Ozzie Smith among them.
He played most of his career with the Braves -- first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta. He hit 755 career home runs, setting a record that would stand until Barry Bonds hit number-756 in August 2007. His most famous dinger was number-715 on April 8th, 1974 -- the one that topped Babe Ruth's career mark.
Praying for Family, Friends, and Fans,
Shelby
Rest In Peace Hammerin' Hank