Net Worth Ranker
What Was Henry Louis Aaron’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing on January 22, 2021, at the age of 86, legendary American baseball player and businessman Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron had accumulated a net worth of $25 million. This financial standing reflected his successful baseball career and subsequent business ventures.
Hank Aaron’s Baseball Career Earnings and Endorsements
During his illustrious 23-season career in Major League Baseball, spanning from 1954 to 1976, Hank Aaron earned a total of $2.12 million. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $10 million today. His highest salary was $240,000 per year, which he received in both the 1975 and 1976 seasons. Accounting for inflation, this translates to about $1.2 million per year in current terms.
Notably, despite his prominence and pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron initially lacked endorsements. However, this changed when Clarence Avant, a music and entertainment executive, intervened. Avant persuaded Coca-Cola to endorse Aaron, leading to a significant financial partnership. During his lifetime, Aaron donated more of his Coca-Cola endorsement earnings than he earned during his baseball career. These donations were primarily channeled through The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation.
Hank Aaron’s Post-Baseball Business Ventures
Following his retirement from baseball, Hank Aaron embarked on a successful business career, primarily in the automotive industry. He owned several car dealerships throughout Georgia, selling various brands, including BMW, Land Rover, Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda. These dealerships contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Henry Louis Aaron was born on February 5, 1934, in Mobile, Alabama, and spent most of his youth in Toulminville, Alabama. Growing up in a segregated environment as one of eight children, Aaron’s early life presented numerous challenges. As a teenager, he played for the Mobile Black Bears semipro team, showcasing his baseball talents and passion for the sport.
His career trajectory took a significant turn when he was signed to the Indianapolis Clowns, a team in the Negro American League. This marked a pivotal moment in his journey towards professional baseball. In June 1952, Aaron’s talent caught the attention of the Boston Braves, who signed him to their organization. This acquisition set the stage for his eventual rise to Major League Baseball stardom.
Success With the Braves
With the Braves, Aaron was assigned to a farm team in Wisconsin, where he quickly made an impact, earning the title of rookie of the year. This success propelled him closer to the major leagues. In 1955, he made his professional debut following an injury to outfielder Bobby Thompson during an exhibition match. Aaron seized the opportunity, hitting .314 during the 1955 season, showcasing his potential as a rising star.
The following season, in 1956, Aaron further solidified his reputation, hitting .328 and demonstrating his consistent batting prowess. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious National League MVP award in 1967. That same year, the Braves achieved a significant milestone, defeating the Yankees in the World Series, adding to Aaron’s list of accomplishments.
MLB Career Highlights
Aaron primarily played as a right-field mainstay for the majority of his MLB career, while occasionally filling in as an infielder. In his final two seasons, he transitioned to the designated hitter position. Throughout his career, he maintained a lifetime batting average of .305, accumulating 3,771 hits and 2,297 RBIs. His RBI total remains an all-time record.
He also earned three Gold Glove awards and ranked among the top five all-time in career hits (3,771) and runs (2,174). Aaron was one of only four players to achieve at least 17 seasons with 150 or more hits. He ranks third all-time in games played (3,298). By the time Aaron retired, he held numerous MLB career power-hitting records.
On April 8, 1974, Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record by hitting his 715th career home run. He ultimately retired with a total of 755 home runs. Hank is the only player in baseball history to hit over 30 home runs in 15 seasons. He finished his career with a lifetime batting average of .305, 3771 hits, and 2297 RBIs. He won a World Series in 1957 and was a 24-time All-Star.
Post-Retirement Activities and Honors
After retiring from baseball, Aaron held various positions in the front office for the Atlanta Braves, including serving as a senior vice president. In 1988, he was inducted into both the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1999, MLB introduced the Hank Aaron Award, recognizing the top offensive players in both the National and American leagues.
Aaron’s contributions extended beyond the baseball field. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002 and was named a 2010 Georgia Trustee by the Georgia Historical Society, acknowledging his accomplishments and their reflection of the ideals of Georgia’s founders.
The MC Hammer Connection
A teenage boy named Stanley Burrell served as a batboy for the Oakland A’s from 1973 to 1980. Because Stanley resembled a young Hank Aaron, the players started calling him “Hammer.” Decades later, he became known as the “Master of Ceremonies,” M.C. Hammer.
