Baseball legend Aaron joins Twitter

Hank Aaron accomplished what was once considered unthinkable when he broke Babe Ruth's home run record. Thirty-nine years later, Aaron has provided another welcome surprise by joining Twitter, using the handle @henrylouisaaron.

Aaron sent his first message Tuesday morning.

"I am officially on Twitter! I won't be posting a lot, but look forward to sharing with you."

I am officially on Twitter!I won't be posting a lot, but look forward to sharing with you."

- Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) March 19, 2013

Aaron's account went live Tuesday night and he had 40 followers before he sent his first tweet. The Braves confirmed the account at 11:06 a.m. on Tuesday. Within the hour that followed, The Hammer had gained more than 7,000 followers.

One of the most legendary figures in baseball history, Aaron owns the Major League record for most career extra-base hits, total bases and RBIs. He broke Aaron's home run record when he hit his 715th on April 8, 1974 and ended his career with 755.

Aaron made his Major League debut in 1954 and spent 21 of his 23 Major League seasons with the Braves. He currently lives in Atlanta and remains active with the Braves as a senior vice president.