When it came to hitting home runs Hank Aaron was to “the manor born.” His familial origins, however, were not. His extraordinary ability to hit a baseball would springboard him from segregated austerity into sports immortality.

It was as if he emerged from the cradle with a Louisville Slugger in his hands. No baseball slugger ever walked more softly and carried a bigger stick. No champion was more resilient or brilliant. His style was the most graceful of all. Always under measured control, he was picturesque at the plate and had a classic and unhurried gait as he circled the bases.

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