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Why Hank Aaron Was The Lone Ranger Of Baseball And Didn’t Run Away Like Roger Maris
The MLB star and Hall-of-Famer was often ignored while he played despite everything he accomplished
Henry “Hank” Aaron is simply one of the greatest players in baseball history. The Hall-of-Fame outfielder held the game’s career home run record for decades, and was known as a terrific all-around player, who achieved his vast accomplishments despite playing in the midst of racism and a lack of respect owed to someone of his bearing. That’s all why he considered himself the “Lone Ranger” of baseball and thought he was deserving of more acclaim and praise, especially since he didn’t “run away” like Roger Maris, another notorious home run king.
Growing up in the segregated South in Mobile, Alabama, the right-handed Aaron began a professional baseball career with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues in 1951. However, after only three months, he was signed to a contract with the Boston Braves.
Initially primarily playing second base, he quickly transitioned to the outfield. By the time he joined the Braves, the team had moved to Milwaukee. He was a star almost immediately, and went on to have a legendary 23-year major league career (1954–1976) playing for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves…
