The world is celebrating and remembering the lives of 2 notable giants:Â Hank Aaron and Larry King.
HANK AARON
Henry Louis Aaron, affectionately known as Hammerin’ ‘Hank’ Aaron passed away on Friday.
Hank Aaron was widely considered one of the greatest baseball players of all-time, hitting 755 home runs while a member of the Atlanta Braves and shattering the 714 home run record once held by Babe Ruth.
As a Black man, Aaron received tons of hate mail and death threats for daring to eclipse the world record of a white icon. However, he never allowed the threats to openly affect him and went on to enjoy a career that spanned 23 seasons. He was among the greatest all-around players in baseball history and also one of the last major league stars to have played in the Negro Leagues.
So great was Hammerin’ Hank that he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982 on his first year of eligibility. He received 97.8% of the vote — second at the time only to Ty Cobb — who was inducted in 1936.
Hank Aaron was one of the best baseball players we’ve ever seen and one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Aaron family and everyone who was inspired by this unassuming man and his towering example. pic.twitter.com/2RZdc82Y18
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 22, 2021
Hank Aaron was 86.
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LARRY KING
Legendary talk-show host, Larry King passed away on Saturday after a long battle with COVID-19.
Best known for hosting “Larry King Live” on CNN for over 25 years, King interviewed presidential candidates, celebrities, athletes, movie stars, and everyday people until he retired in 2010 after taping more than 6,000 episodes.
“With profound sadness, Ora Media announces the death of our co-founder, host, and friend Larry King, who passed away this morning at age 87 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles,” a statement from King’s son, Chance, said on social media.
“For 63 years and across the platforms of radio, television and digital media, Larry’s many thousands of interviews, awards, and global acclaim stand as a testament to his unique and lasting talent as a broadcaster.”
In addition to battling COVID-19, King battled a number of health problems over the years. He suffered several heart attacks, revealed in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer, and received treatment in 2019 to address angina. He also underwent quintuple bypass surgery in 1987, which inspired him to establish the Larry King Cardiac Foundation to provide assistance to those without insurance.
Larry King was 87.
And what Giants they were. Each man blessed with extraordinary talent who loved sharing their gift with the world.
I had heard that Larry King had taken ill earlier this month so I wasn’t too surprised when I first heard of his passing. But I was surprised hearing the news about Hank Arron because I had not heard if he had been ill. What a life story he had!
My beloved (late) grandfather Loved major league baseball. Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays and Mickie Mantle were his top 3 players. But he enjoyed watching the games no matter who was playing. He was a hardworking man but every summer he and his work buddies would treat themselves to at least one or two trips to see a Phillies game and/or the Orioles.
Rest in Peace Hank Aaron and Larry King.