Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves: A Local Guide to His Legacy in Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, visit often, or are planning a baseball-focused trip, the name Hank Aaron is impossible to miss. From street names to statues and exhibits around Truist Park and Summerhill, Aaron’s connection to the Atlanta Braves and the city itself is deeply woven into the local landscape.

This guide explains who Hank Aaron was, how he shaped the Atlanta Braves, and where in Atlanta you can still see, visit, and experience his legacy today.

Who Was Hank Aaron to Atlanta and the Braves?

Hank Aaron (1934–2021) is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. While his Major League career began in Milwaukee, his story became closely tied to Atlanta when the Braves moved here in 1966.

Key points of his impact:

• Hall of Fame right fielder who played for the Braves in Milwaukee and Atlanta
• Broke Babe Ruth’s home run record on April 8, 1974, in Atlanta
• Became an enduring symbol of excellence, dignity, and perseverance in the face of racism and pressure
• Remained connected to the Braves and Atlanta as an executive, advisor, and community leader long after his playing days

For Braves fans in Atlanta, Hank Aaron isn’t just a historic player; he represents the moment when the city became the center of one of baseball’s most important milestones.

Hank Aaron’s Years With the Atlanta Braves

Hank Aaron’s Braves career spanned the franchise’s move from Milwaukee to Atlanta in the mid-1960s.

From Milwaukee to Atlanta

• Aaron joined the Braves in Milwaukee in the 1950s.
• In 1966, the Braves relocated to Atlanta, bringing Aaron with them and helping introduce Major League Baseball to the Southeast.
• His presence helped make the new Atlanta Braves a national story and anchored fan interest as the city grew.

The 715th Home Run: A Defining Atlanta Moment

On April 8, 1974, playing for the Atlanta Braves at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Aaron hit his 715th career home run, passing Babe Ruth’s long-standing record.

To locals, that moment matters because:

• It happened in Atlanta, in front of a home crowd.
• It permanently linked the city with one of baseball’s greatest achievements.
• It symbolized progress during a complex time for civil rights in the South.

If you talk to longtime Braves fans in Atlanta, many can tell you where they were when Aaron hit number 715—even decades later.

Where to Experience Hank Aaron’s Legacy in Atlanta Today

Even though the old stadium is gone and the city has grown dramatically, there are still many tangible ways to connect with Hank Aaron’s history around Atlanta.

1. Truist Park: The Heart of Today’s Braves Experience

Truist Park
755 Battery Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

The current home of the Atlanta Braves includes several tributes to Hank Aaron:

• Statues and Displays: Inside and around Truist Park, you’ll find displays, images, and references to Hank Aaron, including homages to his 715th home run and his Braves career.
• Retired Number 44: The number 44, which Aaron wore with the Braves, is retired and recognized around the park.
• On-Site Museum/Team History Areas: The Braves maintain historical displays that often highlight Aaron’s achievements, his home run record, and his role in Braves history.

If you’re attending a game, plan to arrive early to walk around and look for Hank Aaron references, especially near monuments, banners, and historical exhibits inside the stadium.

2. The Battery Atlanta: Public Spaces and Braves Culture

The Battery Atlanta surrounds Truist Park and is open to the public, even on non-game days.

What to look for:

• Photo Spots and Murals: Braves-themed art in and around The Battery often includes Aaron’s image, number, or quotes.
• Shops and Team Stores: Official team stores usually carry Hank Aaron jerseys, shirts, caps, and memorabilia that celebrate his legacy.

This area is an easy stop if you want a Braves atmosphere and Hank Aaron-themed items without a full-day stadium visit.

3. Hank Aaron Drive and the Old Stadium Site in Summerhill

Even though Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium was demolished, Aaron’s influence remains rooted in the Summerhill neighborhood, just south of downtown.

Key local touchpoints:

• Hank Aaron Drive SE: A major street near downtown, named in his honor.
• Former Stadium Site: The area around the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and the current Center Parc Stadium (Georgia State University’s football stadium) sits in this neighborhood.
• You may still find markers, plaques, or references indicating where Aaron hit number 715.

If you’re exploring the city’s history beyond Truist Park, a walk or drive through Hank Aaron Drive SE and the surrounding blocks connects you directly to the ground where Braves history was made.

4. Local Museums and Exhibits

While displays change over time, several Atlanta-area institutions have featured Hank Aaron or the Braves:

• Atlanta History Center
  130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30305

  The center often highlights key Atlanta sports moments, and Aaron’s record-breaking home run is a natural part of that story. Look for exhibits covering Atlanta sports history, civil rights, and cultural milestones.

• Other Cultural Institutions
  Depending on current exhibits, Hank Aaron may appear in displays about civil rights, sports, or Atlanta’s growth. Checking program descriptions at major museums before a visit can help you spot opportunities to see Aaron-related material.

Hank Aaron’s Broader Impact on Atlanta

Hank Aaron’s connection to Atlanta extended far beyond the baseball field.

Civil Rights and Representation

For many Atlantans, especially in historically Black neighborhoods, Hank Aaron symbolized:

• Achievement in the face of racism and threats
• A powerful example of professional excellence and personal dignity
• A reminder of the city’s role in both sports and civil rights history

His career overlapped with major civil rights developments, and Atlanta’s identity as a center for progress made his record-breaking moment feel especially significant here.

Community and Business Involvement

After his playing days, Aaron remained active in Atlanta through:

• Business ventures and local economic activity
• Ongoing ties to the Atlanta Braves organization in advisory and leadership roles
• Support of youth, education, and community initiatives in and around the city

While specific programs evolve, his reputation in Atlanta includes not only his numbers on the field but also his role as a respected community figure.

Watching the Braves in Atlanta With Hank Aaron in Mind

If you’re planning to watch an Atlanta Braves game and want to experience it through the lens of Hank Aaron’s legacy, here are a few simple ideas.

At Truist Park

• 🧢 Arrive early to explore plaques, displays, and historic imagery.
• 📸 Look for Aaron’s number 44 and any references to the 715th home run.
• 🏟️ If available, consider a ballpark tour, where guides often share stories about Hank Aaron and the team’s history.

Around the City

• Drive along or walk near Hank Aaron Drive SE, especially if you’re exploring downtown or the Summerhill area.
• Visit general Atlanta history exhibits to see how Aaron fits into the broader story of the city.

Quick Reference: Key Hank Aaron–Braves Touchpoints in Atlanta

Tips for Visitors and New Atlantans

If you’re new to Atlanta or visiting and want to understand Hank Aaron and the Atlanta Braves in a practical way:

• For a game-day focus:
  Head to Truist Park and The Battery. You’ll get a strong sense of how the modern Braves honor Aaron.

• For a history focus:
  Explore Summerhill (around Hank Aaron Drive SE) and consider combining that with a visit to the Atlanta History Center for broader context on the city’s sports and cultural evolution.

• For memorabilia and keepsakes:
  Check official Braves team stores at Truist Park and The Battery for Hank Aaron–themed items.

By following these paths around Atlanta, you can see how Hank Aaron’s story and the Atlanta Braves are still very much part of the city’s everyday life, from street signs to stadium seats.