NYO is proud to announce that we will be dedicating the spring 2021 baseball season to Hank Aaron. To reflect that dedication, every baseball player’s uniform will have a 44 on the sleeve (which is the number Aaron wore during his career). 

Hank Aaron was a remarkable baseball player, hitting more home runs than any other major league baseball player until his record was broken in 2007 (and breaking the home run record here in Atlanta, as a member of the Atlanta Braves).  However, he was so much more than a baseball player. He went about his profession with grace and dignity, in the face of unwarranted scorn and hatred. 

After he retired from baseball, he was a great liaison to the Atlanta community, representing the Atlanta Braves and baseball at large.

Nothing was easy for Hank Aaron as he progressed through the beginning of his career in baseball, in the early 1950’s. People hated him for the color of his skin and his background, but his talent and personal strength could not be denied. He would be called names; he would be denied entry to restaurants and hotels; he would receive threats on his life. These were burdens for him, but he was determined to not let these deter him from his objectives.

We can all learn about how to better conduct our life from the great example set by Hank Aaron, and by honoring him this spring, NYO hopes to bring that lesson home to our program families.