Hank Aaron Quotes

A collection of quotes by Hank Aaron.

Hank Aaron, born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, was an American professional baseball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He spent the majority of his remarkable career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) and became an iconic figure in the sport.

Aaron first caught the attention of the baseball world during his tenure with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, where he played for 21 seasons from 1954 to 1974. He was known for his exceptional hitting ability, as he consistently showcased remarkable power, agility, and precision at the plate. In 1974, Aaron surpassed Babe Ruth's long-standing record of 714 home runs, ultimately finishing his career with 755 home runsâ€”a record that stood for over three decades. His career batting average was an impressive .305.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Hank Aaron was also an influential figure in the civil rights movement. As an African American player breaking records and facing racial discrimination during his career, he became a symbol of perseverance and resilience.

Aaron retired from professional baseball in 1976. He was soon inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 and remained an esteemed ambassador for the sport until his passing on January 22, 2021, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of baseball's greatest players and a trailblazer for racial equality in sports.

I tell young people - including my granddaughter - there is

I tell young people - including my granddaughter - there is no shortcut in life. You have to take it one step at a time and work hard. And you have to give back.

The thing I like about baseball is that it's one-on-one. You

The thing I like about baseball is that it's one-on-one. You stand up there alone, and if you make a mistake, it's your mistake. If you hit a home run, it's your home run.

I have always felt that although someone may defeat me, and

I have always felt that although someone may defeat me, and I strike out in a ball game, the pitcher on the particular day was the best player. But I know when I see him again, I'm going to be ready for his curve ball. Failure is a part of success. There is no such thing as a bed of roses all your life. But failure will never stand in the way of success if you learn from it.

I don't feel right unless I have a sport to play or at least

I don't feel right unless I have a sport to play or at least a way to work up a sweat.

Failure is a part of success.

Failure is a part of success.

Every social organisation which is rooted in life still last

Every social organisation which is rooted in life still lasts a long time, even after the conditions from which it drew its strength have changed in a manner unfavourable to it.

I don't see pitches down the middle anymore - not even in ba

I don't see pitches down the middle anymore - not even in batting practice.

I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life

I never doubted my ability, but when you hear all your life you're inferior, it makes you wonder if the other guys have something you've never seen before. If they do, I'm still looking for it.

I never smile when I have a bat in my hands. That's when you

I never smile when I have a bat in my hands. That's when you've got to be serious. When I get out on the field, nothing's a joke to me. I don't feel like I should walk around with a smile on my face.

I don't want them to forget Babe Ruth. I just want them to r

I don't want them to forget Babe Ruth. I just want them to remember me!

I'm hoping someday that some kid, black or white, will hit m

I'm hoping someday that some kid, black or white, will hit more home runs than myself. Whoever it is, I'd be pulling for him.

My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slu

My motto was always to keep swinging. Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging.