Yesterday's death of baseball's legendary and beloved Hank Aaron marked the passing of a icon both for baseball and the culture, representing an era before steroids and designated hitters, and when the acceptance of professional African-American athletes was an issue. "Hammerin' Hank" was baseball's all time home run hitter for decades, eclipsing Babe Ruth's all time record in 1974 hitting his 715th home run, and racking up 755 home runs in a 23 year career.
There are new calls to rename the Atlanta Braves, the team which Aaron played for nearly his entire career, as the Hammers, in honor of Aaron's "Hammerin' Hank" nickname. Atlanta fans are already pushing for a name change, and creating merchandise to popularize the idea:
The #Hammers shirts are in! pic.twitter.com/euCnyp6P9Y
— Ryan Cothran (@baldheaded1der) November 6, 2020
@Braves Change your name to the Atlanta Hammers.
— Mack Williams (@aewsome) January 22, 2021
This is your moment, Atlanta. Get rid of the racist "Braves" name. The Atlanta Hammers. Or Altanta Hanks. Or Atlanta Aaarons. Idc. Name the team after this man.
— Cliff Schecter (@cliffschecter) January 22, 2021
The Washington Football Team dropped its racist name last year, as did baseball's Cleveland team. Atlanta wouldn't be breaking new ground, and it would honor one of the most illustrious players of all time. Change the tomahawk to a hammer, Atlanta.Always felt ‘Hammerin’ Hank’, ‘The Hammer’ was one of the coolest nicknames ever... and the ‘Atlanta Hammers’? Love it! https://t.co/LUbsH1z2Ke
— Dale Murphy (@DaleMurphy3) October 13, 2018
