Barry Bonds hit # 756 tonight in San Francisco. He is the home run king. But on this night where he is crowned, it is the man he passed who stands out.
Hank Aaron was not at the ballpark and has said all along he didn’t want any part of seeing his record broken. But his statement is the very embodiment of class and sportsmanship:

“It is a great accomplishment which requires skill, longevity and determination,” Aaron said. “Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. I’ll move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historical achievement. My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.”

Bonds hit the homer but Henry Aaron proved once again through class and dignity he is Hammerin’ Hank.