I Had A Hammer (p.47-93)

One of the Great influences that Hank Aaron had in his life was the thought of Jackie Robinson. Through this book so far, Aaron always refers back to the fact that Jackie Robinsons color barrier breakthrough was amazing and is reflecting on who Hank is now. Hank is one of the greatest all-time. He is not one of the greatest all-time just because of his bat, but his OFF-FIELD actions and problems shaped him up SEVERELY. Hank needed to go through racism in every city he played for. Hank received MILLIONS of racist letters and threats from people around the country. Hank explains how, he needed special transportation from practice and games, to go home. As a reader and fan of Hank, I LOVE how he endures the problems outside and just places all of it on the field and proves everyone wrong and does things that many GREAT players, that are white, can not till this day, come to close to breaking.

Instead of a Quote, I’ve found a connection to this story. As I was reading and interpreting my reading, I saw how Hank was being treated because he was black. In my life, I experienced a close friend of mine being denied playing time because he was black. I was playing for a summer league and my coach was a white man, who was seen to be a good person, and was admired around the league for his sportsmanship. One day, my black friend asked him if he can get some playing time, and he said politely no, later you will, but when my friend turned his back he said you never will you stupid a** ni**a. knowing that really hurt me because he is my friend and me and him ended up never returning to the league.