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WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), was joined by members of the Georgia delegation in introducing his bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of the late great Henry “Hank” Louis Aaron, highlighting, among many achievements, his home run record which was set on April 8th, 1974.

“On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715^th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record of 714.  Today we honor not only his baseball accomplishments, but the many contributions he made to this nation.  He was more than a baseball icon and a trailblazer – he was also a member of my family, my wife Alfredia’s brother. His strength, grace, and quiet courage changed the game both on and off the field," said Congressman David Scott. “With every swing of his bat, he set records and with every stride, he walked boldly toward justice and equality. Hank Aaron used his platform to uplift a nation, becoming a symbol of resilience for millions during the civil rights movement and beyond. We miss him dearly—his laughter, his wisdom, his unwavering humility—but we carry him with us. His legacy doesn’t rest in numbers or titles, but in the hearts he stirred, the doors he opened, and the generations he continues to inspire. Hank’s story isn’t just about baseball—it’s about courage, family, and a legacy that helped moved this country forward.”

Hank Aaron is perhaps best known for his pursuit of the Major League Baseball (MLB) all-time home run record set at 714 by Babe Ruth, thought by many to be unbreakable. On April 8, 1974, Mr. Aaron hit the record breaking 715th home run in front of a sold-out crowd at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Mr. Aaron retired as baseball’s all-time home run leader, a record he held for another 33 years. He remains the MLB all-time leader in career runs batted in (RBIs), career total bases, and career extra base hits.

Throughout his career, Mr. Aaron faced racism and discrimination, including outright death threats during his home run chase. As an African American player in the South, he was in a unique position to advance the cause of equality through his actions both on and off the field. Mr. Aaron poured significant resources and energy into the civil rights movement, including his longtime support of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), his relationship with civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his creation of the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, an organization committed to ensuring that children of all backgrounds can fulfill their full potential.

The text of the resolution can be found HERE.