This one hurts. Not that any of the others didn't, each spectacular life was one worth celebrating. But none of the recent string of deaths among the legends of baseball had the sheer impact as the immortal Henry Aaron. He was one of the true giants of the game, an automatic inclusion on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest of the great. His story transcended the game itself, captivating even non-baseball fans. There will never be another Hank Aaron.
As it were, today is also his birthday. In honor of his passing, I once again present the top 5 favorite cards in my collection:
1973 Topps #1
All-Time Home Run Leaders
I was born in 1975, years after Aaron became the all-time home run king. Growing up, he was always the #1 name, and it was weird to think of a time when he wasn't. Did kids in 1973 look at this card and realize that "Hamerrin' Hank" still had 82 more home runs in him?
1973 Topps #100
The only playing days card of just Aaron in my collection. Few people mention that he was a pretty good fielder too, winning 3 Gold Gloves as an outfielder.
1985 Topps Woolworth
All-Time Record Holders #1
We all know of the home run record, and many still view him as the legitimate home run king, but Aaron holds many other MLB records as well, with 2,297 RBI and 6,856 Total Bases (over 700 bases more than the next player, Stan Musial!)
2016 Topps - Berger's Best (Series 2)
#BB2-1964 Tops In N.L.
Maybe someday I might possess this beauty from 1964, but for now this reprint will do just fine, featuring two iconic ballplayers. I read somewhere that with all these recent deaths, Mays is now the oldest living Hall of Famer. I hope he's doing well, I don't think anyone can handle it if something happened to him too.
2019 Topps Archives #78
We'll finish with this simple but wonderful offering from a recent Archives set. This is likely a posed shot, but I can't shake that determined look in his eyes. He's looking to hit a ball, and hit it far.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Aaron, and thank you.
And today is his birhday. I don't know if you planned that or not, but it sure is a timely tribute.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tribute! I don't ever get tired of reading about #44.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Hank! I really like the 1973 Topps All-Time HR Leaders card with him, Babe, and Mays.
ReplyDeleteNice cards, and a nice tribute. The Woolworth's All-Time Leaders were some of the first cards I ever owned/saw; there were a couple included in the 'starter kit' collector's album my mom bought for me a year or two after Topps released that set.
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