Sports
Braves to Honor Hank Aaron with Statue at SunTrust Park
Several tributes at the ballpark, include every end seat, the team says.
SMRYNA, GA -- When the Atlanta Braves open play at SunTrust Park in April, old Hammerin' Hank will be there and everywhere.
The Braves will have numerous tributes to the baseball legend throughout the park, including a bronze statue, the team announced this week.
One of the main artistic features of the ballpark will be a baseball bat sculpture and a terrace displaying Aaron's 715th home run ball and bat, the team said.
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On April 8, 1974, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record when he smashed No. 715 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The record seemed untouchable for nearly 40 years until the Braves player from Mobile, Alabama saw it within his sights. Aaron sits alone atop Major League Baseball's all-time home run list.
The centerpiece of the Braves' tribute to Aaron will be the statue, which is being done by world-renowned artist Ross Rossin of Atlanta.
Find out what's happening in Smyrna-Viningsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Read more: Billy Joel gets first at-bat at SunTrust Park
The statue will depict the instant during the record homer when ball met bat, the team said.
Additionally, the team said each end seat filigree in the ballpark will show Aaron's swing silhouette.
The Braves open play at SunTrust Park on April 14.
Image via Chris Evans / Wikimedia Creative Commons license
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