Written with Lonnie Wheeler, this book tells the story of Henry Aaron, the home-run king who surpassed Babe Ruth's record in 1974. Beginning with Aaron's childhood dreams of being a ballplayer in Mobile, Alabama and his signing with the Indianapolis Clowns in 1951, this book details his experiences with organized ball clubs, various owner, managers, coaches, and other ballplayers. He explains the injustices that he and the other non-white (Black and Latino) ballplayers of the fifties and sixties experienced while working to integrate the South-Atlantic League, such as being deliberately hit by pitches and being forced to sleep in separate hotels and eat in the kitchens.
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Aaron spent most of his major league career with the Braves (Milwaukee, Atlanta), ending his playing career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976. From there, he took a postions as Player Development Director for the Atlanta Braves.
Throughout his career, Aaron fought for equal rights, studied pitchers, learned from all baseball personnel, and concentrated on playing superb baseball. This book is interspersed with excerpts from other players, managers, owners, office personnel, family and friends. Also included are letters from fans and foes, sent mainly during Aaron's fight to beat the previous home run record of 714. His career total of 755 HR has yet to be surpassed.
The review of this Book prepared by Samantha S.
