“He’s Very Special..”- MLB Legend Hank Aaron Once Heaped Praise on Derek Jeter for Dedication Towards Baseball

The world of baseball echoes the name of Hank Aaron, a man who left a legacy of love and humanity over everything else. Starting his career in the midst of racial segregation, where discrimination lurked around every corner, the former Milwaukee Brewers slugger never let it defeat him. He built a legacy so big that right near the end of his career; Aaron went on to surpass Babe Ruth’s career home run record. Which is a story for later.

But first, let’s talk about a modern-day baseball legend, Derek Jeter, the former captain of the New York Yankees. Every time he stepped onto the field, he brewed a storm with his electric plays. Both Hank and Derek were changemakers in their own way, altering the narrative of how people of color should be perceived, and transforming the landscape of the game with their stunning skills. Impressed by Jeter, the undisputed home run King heaped high praise on the former New York Yankees captain in 2013. Let’s take a look at what Aaron had to say.

What did the legend say about the New York Yankees Derek Jeter?

Over the span of two decades, Hank Aaron’s majority of career was spent with the Atlanta Braves, both as a player and a senior vice president in the later years of his life. He holds the most nominations for All-Star selections and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in the first year of eligibility. The Coopers-towner is someone to be revered and remembered. So when he talked about Derek with such passion and fervor that he wanted to start a team with the former Yankees captain, it surely was a moment to remember. 

“That would be a player that I could start a team with. I love him. I love his makeup. He’s a kinda ballplayer that you know he gives everything that he has you know.” He continued, “He’s very special, he’s just somebody that you could build a club around and don’t have to worry about it”

READ MORE: As the World Celebrates Black History Month, New York Yankees Honor the Incredible Legacy of Derek Jeter

Imagine the two captaining the ship of phenomenal players. Hank, the captain with his wealth of experience, and Derek, the leader, with his unyielding resolve. That would be something else, wouldn’t it?

The story of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s home-run record 

The moment was electric, the tension palpable as Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate. For two decades, he had waited for this chance, chasing the ghost of Babe Ruth’s legendary record. And on April 8th, 1974, with the world watching, he finally tipped the scales, toppling the towering record that had stood for 39 years. 

It had been a long road to this moment, with the icon hitting his first home run as a rookie way back in 1954. But he had preserved, season after season, year after year, until he had garnered an incredible 713 career home runs, just one shy of Babe’s historic tally. And on that fateful day, in front of a roaring crowd, he tied the record with a stunning hit before smashing it just four days later in a blaze of beauty. 

WATCH THIS STORY: From Babe Ruth to Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Legends Whose Jersey Number Has Been Retired

The atmosphere was singing, the cheers deafening, and the fireworks a fitting tribute to the man who had worked so hard to achieve the glorious moment. It was a good day indeed, and one that etched itself in the archives of baseball history.