Ahead of Monday’s matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets, the Braves honored the late Hank Aaron in a very meaningful way on the anniversary of a truly special moment to the game of baseball.
Due to the steroid use of Barry Bonds, many baseball fans consider Aaron to be the true home run king with a total of 755 home runs. His 715th home run, which happened 50 years to the date on Monday, gave him the official home run record over Babe Ruth.
And on Monday, his great-grandson, King Aaron, was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Truist Park to help celebrate the anniversary.
Hank Aaron's great-grandson, King Aaron, throws out the first pitch in Atlanta on the 50th anniversary of Hank's 715th career home run. ⚾️❤️pic.twitter.com/vsvXDMZVk8
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) April 8, 2024
It wasn’t exactly a perfect strike, bouncing before it got to the catcher behind the plate. But you have to credit the child for trying to throw nearly from the rubber on the pitch.
Fans thought that the honor by the Braves to let Aaron’s great-grandson throw out the first pitch was an incredibly fitting way to not only honor his historic moment but also his legacy as a whole as a player.
Little king! I hope we see him in the bigs someday.
— El Hodlador🔝 — Ⓚ 💎👊🏼 (@Rk_isOKAY) April 8, 2024
Happy 50th anniversary Hank
— The Rabbit🐇 (@migasilvestre) April 8, 2024
Wow his great grandson has such a cool name
— Dividend Rob (@DividendRob) April 8, 2024
that’s a strike in my book ❤️
— Madison Mallards (@MadisonMallards) April 8, 2024
Such an awesome pre-game show they did tonight. Every year I wonder, “how will they up it next year” & the @braves social team somehow does.
Greatest ever, Hammerin’ Hank. Keep Swinging.
— RAJ 4 MVP 🏆 (@donaldracuna13) April 8, 2024
Maybe someday we will see King Aaron make his own legacy in the big leagues as his great-grandfather did so famously. But until then, this certainly has to be a moment that he will not soon forget.
