by Mike Matzinger
Henry “Hank” Aaron (February 5, 1934 – January 22, 2021) was a legendary American professional baseball player whose impact extended far beyond the diamond. Born in Mobile, Alabama, Aaron grew up in a segregated South, where he faced numerous challenges, including racial discrimination. As a boy, he joined the Boy Scouts, meeting with his troop at the Ebenezer AME Zion Church in Toulminville, Alabama. His early Scouting experiences instilled values of discipline, service, and integrity that would carry throughout his life. Aaron recalled fondly wearing his Scout uniform and helping direct traffic in downtown Mobile, demonstrating his commitment to community service from an early age.
Aaron’s baseball journey began in the Negro Leagues with the Indianapolis Clowns before he was signed by the Boston Braves in 1952. He made his MLB debut in 1954 and played 23 seasons, primarily with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, and later with the Milwaukee Brewers. Over his illustrious career, Aaron amassed 755 home runs, a record that stood for 33 years until surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007. He also holds MLB records for career RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856). A 25-time All-Star, Aaron was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 with 97.8% of the vote.
Off the field, Aaron was renowned for his dignified response to the intense racism he encountered during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record. Despite receiving death threats and hate mail, he remained focused on his goal, hitting his 715th home run on April 8, 1974. His perseverance and grace under pressure made him a symbol of resilience and integrity.
Aaron maintained a lifelong connection to Scouting, supporting the organization through public service appearances and mentorship. In the 1970s, he appeared in a Boy Scouts of America public service announcement encouraging adults to help start Scout troops in their communities. In recognition of his commitment to youth and service, Aaron received the Silver Buffalo Award, the BSA’s highest honor for adults, in 1984. He often credited his Scouting experience for shaping the values that guided his personal and professional life.
“I was a Boy Scout, and I was a very good Boy Scout. I knew all my Scout Laws,” he told the crowd at an Atlanta Area Council event in 2016. “I had some great thrills, but one of them is being a Boy Scout.”
Beyond his athletic achievements, Aaron was a committed philanthropist and advocate for social justice. He supported various charitable causes, including initiatives aimed at improving education and opportunities for underprivileged youth. In recognition of his contributions to society, he received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.
Aaron’s legacy continues to inspire generations, not only for his prowess on the baseball field but also for his unwavering commitment to equality, community service, and the values instilled in him as a Scout.