At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run to surpass Babe Ruth's 39-year-old record.

Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, a name synonymous with Atlanta's emergence as a major American city, served as a multi-purpose sports venue in the heart of the southeastern United States. Initially known simply as Atlanta Stadium upon its opening, its full designation, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, became widely adopted, though it was often colloquially referred to as just Fulton County Stadium. This iconic structure was a cornerstone in Atlanta's ambitious efforts to position itself on the national stage, particularly within professional sports.

The stadium was specifically conceived and constructed with a primary goal: to attract a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise to the rapidly growing Southern city. This vision came to fruition spectacularly in 1966 when the Milwaukee Braves, seeking a new home, made the move from Wisconsin to Atlanta, thus becoming the Atlanta Braves. This relocation not only brought MLB to the Deep South for the first time but also cemented Atlanta’s status as a major league city.

Beyond baseball, the stadium also became home to the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL) as an expansion team. For a remarkable 26 years, the Braves and the Falcons shared this venue, creating countless memories for local sports enthusiasts. This dual-purpose design, common in that era, allowed both football and baseball to thrive under one roof, though it often meant compromises in field configuration and fan experience for both sports.

However, the evolving demands of professional sports eventually necessitated new facilities. In 1992, the Falcons moved into the newly completed Georgia Dome, a state-of-the-art indoor stadium designed specifically for football. The Braves continued their tenure at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium for another five seasons, before also transitioning to a new home. In 1997, they moved into Turner Field, a venue ingeniously converted from the Centennial Olympic Stadium, which had proudly hosted the baseball events during the previous year's 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. This shift marked the end of an era for the historic stadium. On August 2, 1997, just months after the Braves’ departure, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was officially demolished, making way for new urban development and leaving behind a legacy etched in the city’s sporting history.

Few names resonate with the power and grace of Henry Louis Aaron, universally known as "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank." Born on February 5, 1934, in and around Mobile, Alabama, and passing away on January 22, 2021, Aaron's life spanned an incredible era of American history and baseball. He carved out an unparalleled career as an American professional baseball right fielder, playing an astonishing 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1954 through 1976. Across these decades, he became not just a player, but a towering figure in the sport, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history.

Aaron's professional journey began, like many Black players of his generation, outside the established major leagues. He briefly appeared in the Negro American League, a testament to the talent fostered in segregated baseball, before moving to minor league baseball and then ascending to the big leagues. His illustrious career saw him spend 21 seasons with the Milwaukee and later Atlanta Braves in the National League (NL), becoming the enduring face of the franchise. He concluded his career with two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers in the American League (AL), returning to the city where his major league journey began. By his final MLB season, a poignant historical note, Aaron was the last former Negro league baseball player remaining on a major league roster, a living bridge to an important chapter of American sports.

Aaron’s incredible consistency and power culminated in a career total of 755 home runs, a monumental achievement that shattered the long-standing MLB record held by the legendary Babe Ruth. This record stood as the pinnacle of home run hitting for an impressive 33 years, a testament to its formidable nature. Beyond home runs, Aaron still holds numerous other MLB batting records, demonstrating his all-around offensive prowess. His remarkable consistency is evident in his hitting 24 or more home runs every single year from 1955 through 1973, and he is one of only two players in MLB history to achieve 30 or more home runs in a season at least fifteen times. In 1999, recognizing his colossal impact, The Sporting News ranked Aaron fifth on its esteemed list of the "100 Greatest Baseball Players." His legendary status was further solidified in 1982 when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility, a rare and profound honor.

However, Aaron’s journey was not merely one of athletic triumph; it was also a profound story of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. During his time in Major League Baseball, particularly as he approached and ultimately broke Babe Ruth's home run record, Aaron and his family endured extensive and virulent racist threats. These experiences were deeply painful but also served as a powerful catalyst, fueling his activism during the burgeoning civil rights movement. His quiet dignity and unwavering determination in the face of such hatred made him an icon far beyond the baseball diamond.

On the field, while he primarily showcased his defensive skills in right field, Aaron was a versatile athlete, appearing at several other infield and outfield positions throughout his career. In his final two seasons, as the designated hitter rule gained prominence in the American League, he transitioned to primarily serving in that role. His excellence was consistently recognized by his peers and the league: he was an NL All-Star for an astounding 20 seasons and an AL All-Star for one season, holding the MLB record for the most All-Star selections (25) and sharing the record for most All-Star Games played (24) with fellow legends Willie Mays and Stan Musial. He was also a three-time Gold Glove winner, acknowledging his defensive excellence. In 1957, a highlight of his career, he won the NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, a season capped by the Milwaukee Braves winning the World Series.

Hank Aaron's statistical dominance extends far beyond home runs. He holds the MLB records for the most career runs batted in (RBIs) with 2,297, extra base hits with 1,477, and total bases with 6,856 – categories that speak volumes about his consistent power and ability to drive in runs. He also ranks among the top five all-time for career hits (3,771) and runs scored (2,174). His remarkable consistency is further highlighted by being one of only four players to achieve at least 17 seasons with 150 or more hits. At the time of his retirement, Aaron stood second in career home runs (755) and at-bats (12,364), and third in games played (3,298). He truly held most of the game's key career power-hitting records, setting a benchmark for future generations.

Even after hanging up his cleats, Aaron continued to contribute significantly to the sport he loved. He held prominent front office roles with the Atlanta Braves, including serving as senior vice president, where his wisdom and experience were invaluable. His impact was recognized with numerous prestigious honors: in 1988, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1999, MLB itself introduced the Hank Aaron Award, an annual accolade established to recognize the top offensive players in each league, cementing his legacy in the game's highest honors. President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, the nation's highest civilian honor, acknowledging his contributions both on and off the field. In 2010, the Georgia Historical Society named him a Georgia Trustee, recognizing his accomplishments that powerfully reflected the ideals of Georgia's founders. Henry Aaron resided near Atlanta, the city he called home for much of his iconic career, until his peaceful passing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium

What was Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium originally named?
It was originally named Atlanta Stadium.
Which major sports teams called Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium home?
The stadium was home to both the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL).
Why was Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium built?
Its primary purpose was to attract a Major League Baseball team to Atlanta, a goal achieved in 1966 with the relocation of the Milwaukee Braves.
When was Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium demolished?
The stadium was demolished on August 2, 1997.
What replaced Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium?
The site initially became a parking lot for Turner Field, and later parts of the area were redeveloped, including the construction of a new mixed-use development adjacent to the former footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions about Henry "Hank" Aaron

What were Hank Aaron's famous nicknames?
He was widely known as "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank."
What significant MLB home run record did Hank Aaron break?
Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's long-standing career home run record, ultimately hitting 755 home runs.
How many seasons did Hank Aaron play in Major League Baseball?
He played for 23 seasons in Major League Baseball, from 1954 through 1976.
What was Hank Aaron's connection to the Negro Leagues?
He briefly played in the Negro American League before beginning his major league career, and by his final MLB season, he was the last former Negro league player on a major league roster.
What prestigious award did MLB establish in Hank Aaron's honor?
In 1999, Major League Baseball introduced the Hank Aaron Award, which recognizes the top offensive players in each league annually.
What notable civil rights work was Hank Aaron involved in?
His experiences with racist threats during his career, particularly during his pursuit of the home run record, fueled his activism and advocacy for civil rights.