The U.S. Postal Service announced the release of a special “Forever” stamp to commemorate the 50th anniversary of baseball legend Henry “Hank” Aaron’s greatest achievement.
On April 8, 1974, Aaron, playing for the Atlanta Braves, made history by breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing career home run record. At the age of 86, Aaron passed away in 2021, leaving behind an impressive legacy in the world of baseball.
The USPS celebrated this momentous occasion by unveiling a commemorative stamp that showcases a captivating digital painting of Hank Aaron, also known as “Hammerin’ Hank,” during his time as a member of the Braves. The stamp captures the essence of his legendary baseball career, depicting him in his iconic right-handed batting stance from the waist up.
The Postal Service stated that this stamp honors the remarkable life and career of Aaron, a true legend who made a significant impact both on and off the field. Despite his humble beginnings, he managed to rewrite the record books and defy the obstacles of racism.
The USPS announced that the Hank Aaron stamp will be available in panes of 20 and will be a Forever stamp. This means that it will always have the same value as the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. The official day of issue and the location of the dedication ceremony will be announced at a later date.
During the early 1970s, Aaron’s pursuit of Ruth’s career homer mark not only captivated the entire nation but also exposed the ugly undercurrents of racial hatred.
Aaron, a talented Black athlete, became a member of the then-Milwaukee Braves in 1955 when he was just 21 years old. This was less than ten years after Jackie Robinson successfully broke the color barrier by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
As he neared the record during the 1973 season, Hank Aaron faced a barrage of death threats and racist letters. Despite the challenges, he persevered and came close to breaking the record that year. However, it was on April 8, 1974, in Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium, that he famously surpassed the mark.
