February 5th, 2016 at 1:00 pm 
by Ron Cervenka It would be impossible to even try to list all of the accomplishments of Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron without forgetting some of them – not to mention the fact that it would take a great deal of time and space to do. But when it comes to remembering Aaron’s birthday – especially during what is now officially Black History Month in the U.S and Canada – it would be an injustice not to wish the Hall of Famer a happy 82nd birthday.
Without going into all of the trials and tribulations (and the never-ending death threats to himself and his family) that led up to Aaron eventually tying and surpassing Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record (without the use of performance-enhancing drugs), I am reminded of a very brief but special Hank Aaron-moment that was included in former Dodgers left-hander Jerry Reuss‘ entertaining and humorous book ‘Bring In the Right-Hander! – My Twenty-two Years in the Major Leagues.’
Reuss recalled meeting the legendary future Hall of Famer for the first time in 1966 while a 17-year-old high schooler. He had been invited to nearby Busch Stadium (the first one) by the visiting Atlanta Braves for a pitching tryout – a tryout that eventually led to Reuss being selected by the Cardinals (not the Braves) in the second round of the 1967 MLB First Year Player Draft.
“What brings you here, young man,” the voice to my left asked. I introduced myself and told Hank Aaron about the workout as I got dressed. After a few minutes he said with a smile, “I wish you all the best and good luck.” I answered, “Mr. Aaron, thank you. I wish you the best as well.” We didn’t know then how our paths would cross in the future.
Reuss was always known as a huge prankster. His favorite victim? Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda, who fined the popular left-hander for dressing up as a groundskeeper and dragging the field during a game at Dodger Stadium in 1983. (Photo courtesy of Jerry Reuss)
Although Reuss’ encounter with Aaron was extremely brief, Aaron most certainly could have simply ignored the young lefty but instead took the time to acknowledge and even encourage the aspiring future major league pitcher, who he would end up facing 33 times in the big leagues and slugging four of his 755 career home runs against.
Happy Birthday Hank! And thank you for so many great baseball memories.
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What a great moment. What a great player and man. Thanks for the memory Ron.
Interesting that Vin still called him Henry on that home run. I remember him being Henry when he first came up and his early cards were “Henry” but soon changed to “Hank” as did his autograph.
Tony Gywnn was my favorite non-Dodger but Hank Aaron and Al Kaline were just a hair behind Tony.
Also interesting in his first game he was replacing Bobby Thompson (yes, that one) who had broken his leg in a slide. Aaron homered in his first game and the rest is wonderful history.
When I was growing up, I remember my dad always identifying players by their nicknames – Stan “The Man” Musial, Harmon “Grand Slam” Killebrew, Bill “Moose” Skowron, etc. I don’t remember him ever not calling Aaron “Hammerin’ Hank.
It’s a real treat to wish Hank a terrific 82nd birthday.