A true baseball legend Hank Aaron, one of the greatest MLB players ever, died on Friday, at the age of 86, 18 days after receiving Moderna vaccine.
Earlier this month, Aaron made headlines when he was photographed getting the Moderna vaccine.
Aaron was vaccinated at the Morehouse School of Medicine health clinic in Atlanta, and told the Associated Press that getting vaccinated “makes me feel wonderful.”
“I don’t have any qualms about it at all, you know,” Aaron added. “I feel quite proud of myself for doing something like this. … It’s just a small thing that can help zillions of people in this country.”
#HankAaron's tragic death is part of a wave of suspicious deaths among elderly closely following administration of #COVID #vaccines. He received the #Moderna vaccine on Jan. 5 to inspire other Black Americans to get the vaccine. #TheDefenderhttps://t.co/vbuHt22bJz
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) January 22, 2021
On his part, US President Joe Biden hailed Aaron’s legacy; “As a nation, we will still chase the better version of ourselves that he set for us.”
President @JoeBiden on #HankAaron’s legacy: “As a nation, we will still chase the better version of ourselves that he set for us.” pic.twitter.com/xL7AESxaek
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) January 23, 2021
“Our family is heartbroken to hear the news of Hank Aaron’s passing,” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement on behalf of the Aaron family. “Hank Aaron was an American icon and one of Georgia’s greatest legends. His life and career made history, and his influence was felt not only in the world of sports, but far beyond — through his important work to advance civil rights and create a more equal, just society. We ask all Georgians to join us in praying for his fans, family, and loved ones as we remember Hammerin’ Hank’s incredible legacy.”
Kemp issued an order to have flags fly at half-staff at all state buildings in Georgia until sunset on the day of his funeral, honoring his “groundbreaking career and tremendous impact on our state and nation.”
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank,” Braves chairman Terry McGuirk said in a statement. “He was a beacon for our organization first as a player, then with player development, and always with our community efforts. His incredible talent and resolve helped him achieve the highest accomplishments, yet he never lost his humble nature.”
“We are heartbroken and thinking of his wife Billye and their children Gaile, Hank, Jr., Lary, Dorinda and Ceci and his grandchildren,” Terry added.
Although baseball player Barry L Bonds was believed to use performance-enhancing drugs, the 86-year-old player never begrudged someone eclipsing his mark, stating that “More than three decades as the king was long enough. It was time for someone else to hold the record.”
Bonds expressed his “deepest respect and admiration” for the legend’s death in a statement on Twitter.
Rest In Peace #HankAaron. A true baseball legend. pic.twitter.com/bDeuzfh8hx
— Barry L Bonds (@BarryBonds) January 22, 2021
The baseball legend’s death follows seven other baseball Hall of Famers in 2020 and two more, Tommy Lasorda and Don Sutton this year.
