Home run king Hank Aaron passed away yesterday at the age of 86. The Hall of Fame baseball player is still at or near the top of the all-time list in many offensive categories. He was also an excellent defensive player, winning multiple Golden Glove awards.

Aaron forged his stellar career in the face of extreme racism. As this black man approached the all-time record for home runs held by Babe Ruth, a white man, Aaron received a lot of hate mail that included many death threats. Aaron withstood the pressure and broke the record.

In addition to his baseball skills, Hank Aaron is known for being an excellent human being. He is universally adored by sports fans all over the world. He will be greatly missed.

One of the things I always appreciated about Hank Aaron was the way he always conducted himself with class and dignity. You never saw him flip his bat high in the air after hitting a home run. He didn’t beat his chest, scream and taunt the other team. Rather than call attention to himself with outlandish behavior, he simply trotted around the bases.

Such class and humility is sorely missed today, not only in baseball, but in society at large. Yes, Hank, you will be greatly missed!

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”—Matthew 5:5.