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MLB pays tribute to the late Hank Aaron ahead of All-Star Game in Denver

By WSBTV.com News Staff
By WSBTV.com News Staff

ATLANTA — In a touching tribute, Major League Baseball honored the late Hank Aaron Tuesday night at the All-Star Game in Denver.

Aaron died on Jan. 22 at age 86.

At the beginning of the tribute, Aaron’s widow Billye Aaron was escorted onto the ball field by Braves’ Freddie Freeman and the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and was given a standing ovation as she walked to home plate.

During a short ceremony, Aaron was presented a Braves’ jersey in the 1974 style used when “Hammerin’ Hank” broke Babe Ruth’s career home run record, a shirt signed by all All-Stars.

Clearly emotional, Billye Aaron was also given a portrait of Hank created by Colorado-based artist Kaylee Bender.

The No. 44 was also etched onto the field to honor the great “Homerun King.”

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Before the on-field tribute, MLB released a video honoring Hank Aaron’s incredible baseball career, where MLB legend Willie Mays doffed his cap to Hank.

Prior to Tuesday night’s game, Billye Aaron was joined by Andrew Young and Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock to unveil a mural of Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays at Five Points Plaza in Denver.

Leading up to the game, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City also released a video featuring Billye Aaron talking about Hank’s career in the Negro Leagues.

The All-Star Game was originally slated to be held at Truist Park in Atlanta, the home of the Atlanta Braves.

The game was moved to Denver over Georgia’s new voting law that critics say makes it harder for people to vote in the state.

Despite lawsuits filed to force the game’s return to Atlanta, they were quickly shot down and the game remained in Denver.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Baseball legend Hank Aaron dies at age 86

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