Braves to honor Hank Aaron with celebration, bobbleheads, top high school players

ATLANTA — Hammerin’ Hank Aaron will be remembered when the Atlanta Braves celebrate Hank Aaron weekend. This weekend includes a salute to his baseball legacy, some of the country’s top high school baseball talent and a trio of bobbleheads.

Aaron passed away on Jan. 22, 2021 at the age of 86.

The Atlanta Braves will celebrate Hank Aaron Weekend when the team comes home to face the Milwaukee Brewers, July 30 – Aug. 1. The 2021 Hank Aaron Weekend will showcase the standard of excellence Aaron established through his on-and-off field endeavors, honoring his place in baseball and his work to advance social, civil, and human rights.

The Henry Louis Aaron Fund launched in January 2021 to honor Aaron’s memory by creating access and opportunities in the areas of sports, business, education and social and racial equality. The focus of the 2021 Hank Aaron Weekend celebrations will be a reflection of this work in communities and in baseball. Proceeds from the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s 50/50 Raffle throughout the weekend will benefit the Henry Louis Aaron Fund to continue to support the growth of diversity in baseball, on and off the field.

“Hank Aaron Weekend has always been a cherished tradition, and this year it will be even more meaningful as we remember our dear friend,” said Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves President & CEO. “His impact on the game of baseball is unparalleled, particularly his work to empower black youth and fight for equity and diversity on and off the field. We are honored to promote and further his legacy during Hank Aaron Weekend and always.”

Friday, July 30

A celebration of Hank Aaron through the lens of Black baseball, honoring Aaron for his baseball legacy and investment in the future of baseball for African Americans.

Saturday, July 31

In partnership with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, the Braves will host the top 44 elite high school baseball players from the Hank Aaron Invitational for a special showcase game on Saturday, July 31 at Truist Park. The players will be selected to participate based on their performance during the week prior at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., which will host the bulk of this premier development experience. The Hank Aaron Invitational is an annual event – supported by USA Baseball and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation – featuring the top 200 high school-aged players from around the United States.

Additionally, during Saturday’s Braves-Brewers game, the Braves will highlight Aaron’s Chasing the Dream Foundation, which promotes youth development programming and opportunities.

Sunday, August 1

The first 15,000 fans through the Truist Park gates will receive a limited-edition Hank Aaron bobblehead. There will be three bobblehead designs, each representing a milestone in Aaron’s career: 1952 Indianapolis Clowns, 1957 World Series Championship in Milwaukee, and 1974 715th home run.

The Braves will wear the iconic ’74 throwback jerseys that Aaron wore when breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, and specialty ’44′ merchandise will be available in the Truist Park Clubhouse Store.

Fans can purchase the Hank Aaron specialty ticket package, which will include a Hank Aaron Weekend game ticket, a specialty Hank Aaron “Keep Swinging” t-shirt, and a $3 donation to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund.

©2021 Cox Media Group