Barack Obama, Barry Bonds, And More Remember The Late Hank Aaron

It’s truly the loss of a legend — Henry “Hank” Louis Aaron has passed away at the age of 86-years-old.

The MLB Hall of Famer will be remembered for his excellency on and off the field. As the king of the diamond, Aaron broke records during his 23-year-long career with a total 755 homeruns. Hank also kept that same energy on the streets as he was a staunch advocate during the Civil Rights Movement.

“Hammerin’ Hank” as he was known broke barriers in the face of racism and made impactful change across the nation — and today, those who loved and admired him most paid homage to him.

Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021

Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx

— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021

Without Hank Aaron there wouldn't be people like me. pic.twitter.com/nlIhMax2tV

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 22, 2021

"Failure is a part of success. There is no such thing as a bed of roses all your life. But failure will never stand in the way of success if you learn from it." Hank Aaron. RIP Hank Aaron. God Bless. pic.twitter.com/39W9ZMqMQf

— COMMON (@common) January 22, 2021

Hank Aaron’s entire life was a home run. My full statement about one of baseball's greatest heroes, an inspiring role model and philanthropist, and a wonderful friend here: https://t.co/uEjSPYD3Qq pic.twitter.com/Tx7NPlMkC2

— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 22, 2021

Another King from Atlanta. My favorite player. We share the same name, Henry. Thank God I got to know him doing charity work. I remember watching #715.

"There is no shortcut in life. You have to take it one step at a time and work hard. And you have to give back."
– Hank Aaron pic.twitter.com/kb1CcXD2Ix

— George Wallace (@MrGeorgeWallace) January 22, 2021

With Hank Aaron on Aug. 18, 2017 when I was honored as a recipient of the Hank Aaron Champion for Justice Award. Photo credit: Roland S. Martin Archives #RolandMartinUnfiltered pic.twitter.com/3OPvUq2HQx

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) January 22, 2021

What an amazing human being #Hank Aaron was: one of the greatest ball players of all times, a social activist, conscientious humanitarian, and a beautiful and principled man. His home run swing is a metaphor for swiping away obstacles and clearing the way for triumph in one move! pic.twitter.com/91LPQ9D6KV

— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) January 22, 2021

A Kings Touch 👑
That gentle,warm,joyful smile and his heartfelt embrace of a little kid from East Oakland in a moment empowered and changed my life.Hank “The Hammer” Aaron smiled upon me.The love shown is forever appreciated.I am Hammer because he was “Hammering Hank Aaron” 🕊❤️

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) January 22, 2021

According to his rep, Aaron died peacefully in his sleep, although no cause of death has been revealed. Rest in Power to the legend, Henry “Hank” Louis Aaron.