Every last light at Truist Park went down as the whole crowd lit up their phones in unison on Tuesday night. The league paid its heartfelt tribute to honor the Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. The dates of the All-Star week vary from year to year. However, this year’s All-Star week dates carried an emotional meaning.
The Derby night and the All-Star game were held on the 14th and 15th of July, respectively. Now, 7/14 and 7/15 carry a special significance, as the league’s longtime legend Babe Ruth once held the record of 714 home runs to his name. That was only until another celebrated veteran, Hank Aaron, broke his record by hitting his 715th homer.
Once the idea came to life on Tuesday night, the MLB’s special assistant to the commissioner and former Yankee, CC Sabathia, was deeply touched. As the fans paid tribute to Aaron, Sabathia couldn’t hold back his tears.
“Real tears, man… started as an idea at the league office, and never imagined it would come together in this way. Salute to everyone involved behind the scenes and to the legend Hank Aaron. Your legacy lives on forever,” he posted on X.
Real tears man…started as an idea at the league office and never imagined it would come together in this way Salute to everyone involved behind the scenes and to the legend Hank Aaron. Your legacy lives on forever. https://t.co/uYqGBzFhUg
— CC Sabathia (@CC_Sabathia) July 16, 2025
Right after the sixth inning, over 40,000 attendees stood up and had their flashlights on towards the field. At the same time, a massive screen displayed the legendary moment that occurred precisely on April 8th, 1974. That was the date when Aaron broke Ruth’s longtime record, hitting his 715th homer right there, in Atlanta city, at Fulton County Stadium.
When the clip ended, all the cameras shifted towards Aaron’s wife, Billye Aaron. Everyone around her gave her a standing ovation.
The heartwarming tribute couldn’t have been concluded without the signature Truist Park fireworks. And so, as the sky lit up, it featured a flame shot starting from the home plate and straight towards the right field. The idea behind this was to represent Aaron’s swing with lights and glory. After all, the league has always had a special place for Aaron.
Hank Aaron’s lasting influence
Tuesday night was not the first time the fans paid tribute to Hank Aaron. Just last year, MLB went all in to celebrate Aaron’s 50th anniversary of the home run. They announced a new Hall of Fame statue and a US Postal Service’s commemorative stamp. That was legendary, but Rob Manfred wanted to do more. His way of paying tribute to Aaron was to join the Braves in something meaningful.
With their Henry Louis Aaron Fund, Manfred announced the $100,000 endowment of a Tuskegee University scholarship. The university is located in Aaron’s home state of Alabama.
In the period of 1954-76, Aaron hit a total of 755 home runs. He had the iconic home run record to his name until 2007. That’s when Barry Bonds recorded 762 homers.
Aaron passed away at the age of 86 back in January 2021. Sadly, just some time later, the Braves were supposed to host the 2021 All-Star Game. Speaking of ASG, Aaron made a total of 25 All-Star appearances.
Even after his death, his wife, Billye, has always been in touch with the Atlanta Braves. The family’s relationship with the club is everlasting.
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