Aaron’s history making career in baseball to get the proper recognition. In 23 seasons, Aaron compiled 2,297
RBIs (runs batted in), appeared in 24 All-Star games and hit 755 home runs.
Although baseball enthusiasts praised Aaron’s incomparable stats, he endured
racially charged death threats while on his way to breaking Babe Ruth’s home
run record. But after entering the Hall of Fame in 1982, Aaron received
prestigious honors such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and he was the
first black American to hold an upper-level management job in MLB when he
became the executive vice president and director of player development for
the Atlanta Braves.
Aaron recently visited The Galloway School in Atlanta to talk about his illustrious career and life after his playing days. –amir shaw
How were you inspired by Jackie Robinson?
I was always a fan of Jackie Robinson. With him being the
first black American to play in MLB, he allowed me to do some of the things
that I did. He was my favorite player. I admired him and tried to do things the
way he did. And I was excited that he was the one given the opportunity to show
everyone that if people are given an opportunity they can be great.
What can be done to increase the number of black players
in MLB?
We can play more. We all need the opportunity to play it
when we are young. That’s the most important thing. We also need scouts to be
able to look at you nd take you to the big league.
Why was it important for you to speak with the students
at The Galloway School?
This is the foundation of our life. These kids are here and
we see them running around, but this is what life is all about. Some of these
kids will have the opportunity to be the leaders of our nation.
What advice do you give them?
Make sure that you work hard to achieve everything that God
has given you. It doesn’t have to be sports. You can be a doctor or lawyer.
Make sure that you do it so well that you are pleased with yourself and that
your parents and teachers are pleased with you.
