Daily News Sports Desk
New York Daily News
Hank Aaron, one of the most revered people in sports, died Friday at 86. Figures from around baseball and sports paid their tributes to the home run king:
“a better person than a baseball player r.i.p my friend,” Doc Gooden wrote.
“A legend on and off the ball field… the best to ever do it,” said David Ortiz.
“He was second only to my dad, and my dad meant the world to me,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
“Sad sad day,” Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman said. “Thankful for your heroism!” His teammate, Noah Syndergaard, tweeted that “Heaven’s put together one heck of a roster recently.”
“I can’t imagine what Hank Aaron went through in his lifetime,” Chipper Jones wrote. “He had every right to be angry or militant…..but never was! He spread his grace on everything and every one he came in contact with. Epitome of class and integrity.”
“We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our beloved Hank,” the Braves said in a statement. Aaron spent nine of his 23 MLB seasons with the Braves and was an executive with the team for decades after his retirement. “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.”
This will be updated as the tributes come in.
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