[Exhibitman]

Hank Aaron was the first black player to break a true major offensive career record. He broke the most cherished record of the most popular, iconic player who ever lived. He did so with boundless grace and class, which has been the man's hallmark for his entire public life. He won the popular support of casual white American fans all over the country. When he came into the game it was still partly segregated, as was the South. He went into the deep South only a few years after the civil rights laws were passed and won over the fans to the point where he graced the covers of Atlanta Braves schedules in 1970 and1974. When he exited the game Jim Crow was dead and he was a superstar. When Aaron started many whites asked why a black player should be allowed to play. When he broke the record in 1974 the vast majority asked why shouldn't a black player be allowed to play. If Jackie opened the road, Hank more than anyone else paved it and put in a super highway.