Worth a Thousand Words: Ernie Banks and Hank Aaron

Both during their careers and long after, Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks were dear friends. Aaron showed up for the dedication of Ernie's statue at Wrigley Field in 2008, and he was a pallbearer (along with fellow Hall of Famers Billy Williams and Fergie Jenkins) at Mr. Cub's funeral in 2015. We'd like to say a few words about Aaron on the occasion of his passing at the age of 86.

    

A SPECIAL TOPPS BASEBALL CARD FROM 1963.

Aaron's record more than speaks for itself. Even after the steroid-fueled offensive explosion of recent decades, Hammerin' Hank still ranks first all-time in extra-base hits, runs batted in, and total bases. He ranks second in home runs, third in games played and hits. He played in 25 All-Star Games and was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility with 98 percent of the votes. (What were the other two percent thinking?)

     "I never doubted my ability," Aaron once said, "but when you hear all your life that 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."

     Aaron was reluctant to toot his own horn throughout his career, but after his playing days he was more outspoken about the racism he faced coming up and about the progress or lack thereof he saw over the years. His contributions to our national game both on and off the field and his unceasing class in every situation will never be forgotten.  

 

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