‘Keep Swinging’: National Baseball Hall of Fame unveils new Hank Aaron statue
Hank Aaron: Hank Aaron attends the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26, 2015 in Cooperstown, New York. (Elsa/Getty Images)
By Jessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
On April 8, 1974, Aaron beat Babe Ruth’s home record with his 715th home run, according to WSB-TV. His family gathered Thursday evening in Cooperstown for the statue’s dedication. It honored Aaron’s 23-year baseball career, MLB reported.
The statue is called “Keep Swinging,” which is one of Aaron’s favorite phrases, according to MLB.
It will be featured at the museum’s Grand Staircase on the first floor, according to MLB. It was also created by sculptor William Behrends.
“As long as there’s a chance that maybe I can hammer out a little justice now and then, or a little opportunity here and there, I intend to do as I always have – keep swinging,” the statue’s inscription says, according to the museum.
“Hank was so proud to be a Hall of Fame member,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the Board of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “I know that he would be equally as honored that this fantastic statue will now welcome all of our guests as they start their visit to baseball’s home. Hank’s approach, both on and off the field, was to keep swinging, which is why it is an appropriate title for this statue. That phrase guided his lifetime of accomplishments and his incredible impact on our game -- and on American society.”
Aaron was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1982, WSB-TV reported.
Aaron was one of the greatest home run hitters in the history of the sport. He connected for 755 career home runs. According to MLB, he was the all-time home run leader for more than 30 years after he surpassed Ruth’s record.
He still has the most RBIs, collecting 2,297. and total bases (6,856), MLB reported. He was also selected to be an All-Star 25 times.
Visitors can start seeing the statue as early as this weekend, WSB-TV reported.
This Week in Black History: Hank Aaron This Week in Black History: Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron debuted with the Milwaukee Braves.
PHOTOS: Hank Aaron reflects on career, Chipper Jones induction It was Hank Aaron who convinced the Braves to draft Chipper Jones. What led him to believe, at a young age, that Chipper was going to be a Hall of Famer? WSB Radio’s Jay Black and Chris Camp sat down with the baseball legend to discuss his answer to that question, and many more on topics including the Braves’ success during the first half of the season and his take on the crop of young players having success this year. (Judd Hickinbotham/WSB Radio)
PHOTOS: Hank Aaron reflects on career, Chipper Jones induction It was Hank Aaron who convinced the Braves to draft Chipper Jones. What led him to believe, at a young age, that Chipper was going to be a Hall of Famer? WSB Radio’s Jay Black and Chris Camp sat down with the baseball legend to discuss his answer to that question, and many more on topics including the Braves’ success during the first half of the season and his take on the crop of young players having success this year. (Judd Hickinbotham/WSB Radio)
Hank Aaron speaks during a pregame ceremony to recognize the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run before the season opener at Turner Field in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Hank Aaron waves to fans as he leaves after a pregame ceremony to recognize the 40th anniversary of Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run before the season opener at Turner Field in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig (left) and Joe Torre (right) speak to Hank Aaron as he takes his seat on the stage for the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Clark Sports Center on Sunday, July 27, 2014, in Cooperstown. Braves fans gave Aaron a standing ovation when he was introduced.
Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron holds commemorate home plate
Former Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron is shown live during the Hall of Fame ceremony before the start of their game against the San Diego Padres at Turner Field. JASON GETZ / SPECIAL
Hank Aaron
PHOTOS: Hank Aaron reflects on career, Chipper Jones induction It was Hank Aaron who convinced the Braves to draft Chipper Jones. What led him to believe, at a young age, that Chipper was going to be a Hall of Famer? WSB Radio’s Jay Black and Chris Camp sat down with the baseball legend to discuss his answer to that question, and many more on topics including the Braves’ success during the first half of the season and his take on the crop of young players having success this year. (Judd Hickinbotham/WSB Radio)
Braves Hall of Famer Hank Aaron turns 85
Hank Aaron
Inductee Joe Torre assists baseball legend and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron as he is intoduced at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 27, 2014 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Hank Aaron, Jim Harbaugh, Kirby Smart and a handful of others attended a star-studded satellite camp Thursday in Atlanta.
Hank Aaron, Jim Harbaugh, Kirby Smart and a handful of others attended a star-studded satellite camp Thursday in Atlanta.
Hank Aaron becomes the 9th player to get 3,000 hits.
College names building for Hank Aaron on his 86th birthday
Hank Aaron spring training Braves coaches and players honor franchise legend Hank Aaron during the naming of Hank Aaron Way, a street entering the team's facilities in North Port, Florida, on Feb. 18, 2020. (Gabe Burns/AJC)