Museum Artifacts from Henry Aaron’s Career Featured at Feb. 3 Event in Atlanta to Honor Legendary Hall of Famer, Philanthropist

Proceeds to Benefit the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – With his achievements on the diamond, Henry Aaron authored a legacy that allowed him to change lives throughout the world.

On Feb. 3 – as the baseball community prepares to celebrate Aaron’s 83rd birthday two days later – Hall of Fame artifacts used to affect that change will be on display at an event honoring Henry Louis Aaron’s commitment to a lifetime of philanthropy.

A Salute to the Life and Times of Henry Aaron will be held Friday, Feb. 3 at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta, Ga. A fundraiser for the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation, the event will feature many artifacts Aaron has donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum over the past decades.

“As a Hall of Famer on the field, Henry Aaron changed the game with his incredible ability and consistency,” said Erik Strohl, vice president of exhibitions and collections at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “But his work off the field in support of his community and society have left a legacy that is unparalleled. We are honored to present these historically important treasures, which have never before been exhibited together outside of Cooperstown.”

“On Friday, the incredible life of Henry Aaron will be celebrated,” said Tom Johnson, co-chairman of the event. “With a collection of incomparable and historic artifacts, the Hall of Fame will bring a taste of Cooperstown 1,000 miles south, allowing all of those in attendance to relive not only his record-breaking baseball achievements but also this classic American story of perseverance and success.”

Among the artifacts and documents scheduled to be on exhibit at the Feb. 3 event are:

 Aaron’s 1952 contract, calling for a salary of $200 per month, with the Class C Eau Claire Braves
 His 1953 Sally League championship ring with the Class A Jacksonville Braves
 His 1957 World Series ring with the Milwaukee Braves
 A silver bat awarded to Aaron for winning the 1959 National League batting title
 The bat and ball from his 500th home run in 1968
 The bat used for his 3,000th career hit in 1970
 Ball from May 1, 1975 when Aaron became the all-time leader in RBI
 1977 Babe Ruth Crown awarded by the Maryland Professional Baseball Players Association
 The Chasing the Dream Foundation Award, circa 1995
 Presidential Citizens Medal awarded by President Bill Clinton on Jan. 8, 2001
 Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George W. Bush on July 9, 2002

The event will also include the bat and ball from Aaron’s 715th home run in 1974, which is currently on loan from Aaron to the Braves.

More than 800 supporters are expected to be in attendance at the Feb. 3 event, which will be hosted by Bob Costas and raise funds for college scholarships for students in need through the Chasing the Dream Foundation. For more information on the Chasing the Dream Foundation please visit www.chasingthedreamfoundation.org.