The Life and Legacy of Henry Aaron

Henry Aaron’s life-long passion was to increase minority participation in baseball - whether that was on the field, in baseball operations, on the business side of a front office or at Major League Baseball.

His commitment to creating opportunities, access and equity across the sport he dominated was unwavering – and the Braves commitment to honor that legacy is also unwavering.

2023 Hank Aaron Week

This year, the Atlanta Braves celebrated “Hank Aaron Week” July 25 - 30, honoring the life and legacy of Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron and his profound impact on baseball, in business, and through his philanthropic efforts. Through the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, the Atlanta Braves are committed to fulfilling his lifelong mission to create access and opportunities in sports, business, education, and social and racial equality.

Growing the Game

Hank Aaron Invitational

The Hank Aaron Invitational is a partnership between Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and USA Baseball. The unique amateur development event serves as a youth-oriented, on-field diversity initiative that aims to get high school-age players, with diverse backgrounds, to the next levels of the game.

Formerly the Elite Development Invitational, the re-branded Hank Aaron Invitational, partnered with the Braves, adds a unique element to the program by offering the top 44 (in honor of Hank) ballplayers a trip to Atlanta after their week-long experience in Vero Beach, Florida, at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex (formerly Historic Dodgertown).

As part of Hank Aaron Week, the Atlanta Braves host the 44 athletes for a day in cultural education and a showcase game at Truist Park in front of college recruiters & professional scouts.

44 Classic

The Braves 44 Classic presented by Nike is an opportunity for diverse ballplayers to get exposure to college coaches and professional scouts in a showcase setting.

With a focus on players in the southeast, the two-day event is held at the Gwinnett Stripers' Coolray Field and includes a pro-style workout on Day 1, followed by a showcase game on Day 2. Following the showcase game on Day 2, the Braves host a roundtable discussion at Truist Park for the athletes to hear from front office staff and college coaches with an emphasis on education and careers.

Henry Louis Aaron Fund

In continued pursuit of Henry Aaron’s efforts to increase minority participation in baseball, the Atlanta Braves created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund inside the Atlanta Braves Foundation with an initial $1 million commitment. Major League Baseball and the MLBPA committed to this fund and each invested $500,000.

The goal of the fund will be to provide resources to drive equity by creating access and opportunities in the areas of sports, business, education and social and racial equality.

755 Legacy Club

We invite you to join the 755 Legacy Club, an exclusive group of supporters who are passionate about investing in the legacy of Henry "Hank" Aaron. With an annual donation of $755 or more to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund you will become a part of the club, receiving exclusive membership benefits.

Benefits of Membership:

755 Legacy Club lapel pin
755 Legacy Club hat
Quarterly newsletter with progress and updates
Recognition in donor honor roll and during Hank Aaron Weekend
A commemorative hand painted baseball bat (reserved for the first 44 donors that give $4,400 or more)

In early celebration of Henry Aaron's birthday, the 755 Legacy Club Campaign will launch on February 3, 2022, and conclude on the historic 715 Day, April 8, 2022. In honor of his jersey number, the first 44 contributors, donating $4,400 or more during this time frame will also receive a commemorative hand painted baseball bat designed by a variety of local Black artists. Join today to become one of the first 755 members!

Henry Aaron Fellowship

The Atlanta Braves and Truist are committed to creating and sustaining a diverse workforce in all areas of the game, both in baseball and business operations. The creation of the Henry Aaron Fellowship, serves as a platform to welcome and develop the next generation of diverse executive-level sports business leaders.

The Henry Aaron Fellows will be working with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Braves, along with day-to-day operations of various departments within the organization. The Henry Aaron Fellows will be provided an overview and in-office experience of executive leadership and develop tools necessary for leading and operating the various lines of business within a major league sports franchise.

Legacy Projects

The Atlanta Braves and Major League Baseball partnered to enrich the Atlanta community and increase access to youth baseball and softball programs with a focus on promoting diversity with legacy projects introduced during 2021’s Hank Aaron Weekend.

Gresham Park Refurbishment with dedication of Hank Aaron & Bill Lucas Fields, a 7-field park in South Dekalb with a vibrant local association that has been operating since 1974. They have produced eight MLB/MiLB players (including Braves minor leaguers Jalen Miller, Mike Harris and Trey Harris), NBA and NFL players, and is considered a hub for the growth and development of Black baseball and softball players across south Atlanta. This project is with support from Truist.

Renovation of field at Anderson Boys & Girls Club to enable playability of baseball for kids and develop Braves RBI baseball and softball programming at the Anderson Boys & Girls Club in Cobb County.

Volunteer project with West Atlanta Watershed Alliance and Hands On Atlanta to create a pathway to and beautify the old Atlanta Black Crackers sandlot on Bush Mountain, supporting one of the oldest Black communities in the City of Atlanta dating back to the Civil War. This project is with support from Delta Air Lines.

Remembering Henry Aaron

More about Henry Aaron