The Last Hero

A Life of Henry Aaron

By: Howard Bryant

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

In the thirty-four years since his retirement, Henry Aaron’s reputation has only grown in magnitude: he broke existing records (rbis, total bases, extra-base hits) and set new ones (hitting at least thirty home runs per season fifteen times, becoming the first player in history to hammer five hundred home runs and three thousand hits). But his influence extends beyond statistics, and at long last here is the first definitive biography of one of baseball’s immortal figures.

Based on meticulous research and interviews with former teammates, family, two former presidents, and Aaron himself, The Last Hero chronicles Aaron’s childhood in segregated Alabama, his brief stardom in the Negro Leagues, his complicated relationship with celebrity, and his historic rivalry with Willie Mays—all culminating in the defining event of his life: his shattering of Babe Ruth’s all-time home-run record.

Bryant also examines Aaron’s more complex second act: his quest to become an important voice beyond the ball field when his playing days had ended, his rediscovery by a public disillusioned with today’s tainted heroes, and his disappointment that his career home-run record was finally broken by Barry Bonds during the steroid era, baseball’s greatest scandal.

Bryant reveals how Aaron navigated the upheavals of his time—fighting against racism while at the same time benefiting from racial progress—and how he achieved his goal of continuing Jackie Robinson’s mission to obtain full equality for African-Americans, both in baseball and society, while he lived uncomfortably in the public spotlight. Eloquently written, detailed and penetrating, this is a revelatory portrait of a complicated, private man who through sports became an enduring American icon.

Insightful story, shaky narration

I found this comprehensive account of Aaron's career engrossing, along with his struggles with racism and communicating with the public. However the narrator mispronounces well known player names and rushes the reading at times. A worthwhile listen for fans like me though.

Henry NOT Hank

Well written and presented. I am still in awe of Henry Aaron. Thank you for this story.

Bryant beautifully embraces all the contradictions

Author Howard Bryant once again shows the complex relationship between a Black superstar athlete and the media, and how the social climate in the US, along with baseball’s money machinery, so profoundly impact the meaning-making process. Aaron’s steady gravitas, even as he worked to claim joy and satisfaction throughout his life, really inspired me. The narrator wonderfully synthesized the voices and perspectives of Aaron and the author.

My Baseball Idol

Having grown up in Milwaukee and seeing Henry Aaron live, this book was special to me. It is a in depth look at a complex and gifted man.

A Remarkable Story, Well Told

Bryant tells Henry Aarons' legendary story through his playing days to the difficult decision Aaron, a man who hates cheating, made regarding how to respond to Bonds' fraudulent capture of his all time homerun record. Eclipsed by Jackie Robinson's career, Aaron's challenging contribution and struggle with civil rights is also covered. In this he sought respect, as he did with regard to his status among contemporaries like Mays and Musial. Aaron being the greatest hitter in baseball history makes this an excellent book for any baseball fan, but more than this, Aaron is an enormous and meaningful character in American lore and should be of interest to everyone.