The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron
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The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Howard Bryant (Author), Dominic Hoffman (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 344 ratings
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In the 34 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 30 home runs per season 15 times, becoming the first player in history to hammer 500 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.

Previous page
  1. Listening Length
    21 hours and 49 minutes
  2. Author
    Howard Bryant
  3. Narrator
    Dominic Hoffman
  4. Audible release date
    May 11, 2010
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B003LTOIMS
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 21 hours and 49 minutes
Author Howard Bryant
Narrator Dominic Hoffman
Audible.com Release Date May 11, 2010
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B003LTOIMS
Best Sellers Rank #114,346 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#119 in Baseball & Softball
#445 in Baseball Biographies (Books)
#520 in Sports Biographies (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
344 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

RKP
5.0 out of 5 stars Great writing
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
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Great seller, always buy from them.
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Barry Sparks
5.0 out of 5 stars The most underrated superstar of all-time
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2010
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Author Howard Bryant gives Henry (what he is called by all of his friends) Aaron, whom he calls "the most underrated superstar of all time," his due in this exceptional biography.

When Aaron retired after the 1976 season, he held baseball's records for most home runs, most at-bats, most RBI, most total bases and most extra base hits. Only Ty Cobb had more hits and scored more runs. Aaron, however, never quite received the publicity he deserved during his 23-year career.

Considered bland by reporters, Aaron preferred to let his actions speak for themselves. Early in his career, he was overshadowed by this Milwaukee Braves teammates--Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews and Lew Burdette. Later, he played second fiddle to the flashy, child-like and exuberant Willie Mays and the more flamboyant Roberto Clemente.

Aaron, however, didn't help his case. Suspicious of the press, self-conscious about his background and uncomfortably thrust into the pre-dominantly all-white world of professional baseball at an early age, Aaron, a loner, built a wall around himself.

Non-confrontational, he allowed writers to turn him into a caricature of a simple, uncomplicated black man who wasn't smart enough to understand the reasons for his success.

By the age of 24, Aaron had been voted NL MVP, played on a World Championship team, won a batting title and a home run crown. He was, according to the New York Times, "Milwaukee's answer to Mickey Mantle."

The Braves played the Yankees in the World Series in 1957 and 1958 and lost a three-game playoff to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1959. Aaron always felt as if the Braves should have won four consecutive pennants.

While Aaron enjoyed some of his best years from 1960-65, the Milwaukee Braves spent just four days in first place during those years.

When the Braves moved to Atlanta after the 1965 season, Aaron was less than enthusiastic to return to the deep South where segregation and racism were ever present. Concerned about civil rights, Aaron was reluctant to speak out and he was often criticized for his lack of involvement. He became more outspoken near the end of his career and in retirement.

After being overlooked in the 60s, attention turned to Aaron in the early 70s as people realized he had a chance to break Babe Ruth's career home run mark. The quest to break Ruth's record became joyless as hate mongers threatened Aaron. Even baseball snubbed him when Commissioner Bowie Kuhn wasn't present for his 700th homer and baseball didn't recognize the achievement in any special way.

Aaron, the first player to collect 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, resented being considered a one-dimensional power hitter and being defined by his home run record.

After the Braves made little or no attempt to keep him after the 1974 season and didn't seriously consider him as a potential manager, Aaron was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers. Although it was a chance for the financially struggling Aaron to cash some hefty checks, all the magic was gone. In two seasons with the Brewers, he batted .234 and .229, slugging a total of 22 home runs.

In retirement, Aaron prospered financially and made peace somewhat with the baseball establishment. Although he hoped to be the first unanimous selection to the Hall of Fame in 1982, Aaron received 97.8 percent of the vote, second highest to Cobb's 98.2 percent.
10 people found this helpful
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David Dearborn
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2010
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As some of the other customer reviewers have indicated, this is a book about America in the 1950s and 60s, just as it's a fine personal account of the great Henry Aaron. I found it exceptionally well-written, with the baseball action always vivid and the cumulative portrait of Aaron across the decades no less riveting in a different way entirely. This is because, even with Aaron's cooperation (a coup in itself), the author had to meet the challenge of portraying a relatively private man who never wore his heart on his sleeve (well, maybe with the exception of his uncharacteristic, in-air fight with Rico Carty). Howard Bryant succeeded admirably -- his analyses of Aaron the man and athlete are clear and penetrating, and the reader comes away with well-rounded pictures of both realms. No matter what cruelties he encountered (including from the press) amid his many triumphs, Aaron stayed true to himself and proved to be more of unassuming role model than people knew when the steroid era dawned. Seeing places like Mobile, Milwaukee and Atlanta through the prism of Aaron's experience, we learn a lot about America (south and north) and baseball in an era when both nation and sport moved slowly to more enlightened levels. The story of the Braves' move from Boston to Milwaukee is fascinating in itself (as are the portraits of teammates Spahn, Mathews, Adcock, Bruton and Burdette). Bryant also gives us deep thematic contrasts between Aaron, Willie Mays and Jackie Robinson. There's a lot of rich baseball history in "The Last Hero," and throughout it towers a class act whose ambition to be the best baseball player alive was matched by his pure strength of character. A genuine page-turner.
7 people found this helpful
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Jim C
4.0 out of 5 stars This book is essential reading
Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2022
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The stories of the African-American athletes who integrated baseball are essential reading for any American. No books cover the racism the athletes faced integrating baseball better than the author. This is a thought provoking read!

It’s interesting how Henry played in the 60s when the “field” was integrated - after Jackie Robinson - but in relation to lockers use, showering, wife’s and families and hanging out, baseball was not integrated! The author’s writing on how baseball reporters wrote about black players was very illuminating on hidden biases.

I wanted to give this book the highest rating, but too many individual games are written about - who cares if Henry went 0 for 5 or 4 for 5 at bat in a game. We want to know about Henry Aaron the man! I found myself skimming play by play sections of individual games as a result. In addition, several sections do not pass the casual readers fact check (how does a 2 run homer tie a 5-4 game?). Getting facts right is critical. Like other reviewers have said, 100 to 150 pages could have been edited out and the resulting book would have been much stronger.

But despite my objections in the previous paragraph, this is an essential book and any American will learn from this book - for the better - as the authors explains how race relations affect Americans and by reading this book, and reflecting on Henry Aarons story, maybe we can all navigate race relations with more dignity for everyone involved!
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Tim in DC
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Biography
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2022
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Henry Aaron was a hero of mine growing up in Milwaukee and this biography did not disappoint. But as I read the details of the discrimination that he endured, it made me realize that I grew up in a sheltered environment. I never realized how tough it was for him and the other African American players. I had assumed that because he arrived in MLB seven years after Jackie Robinson that things had gotten a lot better, but I was wrong. He had to play and perform with teammates that were openly racist, and his intelligence being questioned by people in the media. It makes all his accomplishments even the more remarkable.
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Top reviews from other countries

Rick
5.0 out of 5 stars So many reasons BEYOND baseball to read this book ...and the baseball’s great too.
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2021
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Sportsmanship, Excellence, Integrity, Competitive Drive, Systemic Racism, Courage, Resilience, so many lessons to learn in this version of the story of Henry (Hank) Aaron. It is stunning to consider a time, not long ago, when you could not be Black and in the major leagues of baseball. Overcoming the racial disrespect, rudeness, envy, hate and then watching while another generation cheated to overtake totals of greats like Henry Aaron. History, courage and sport competitive drive to be your very best, all things I enjoy.
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GregR
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on Hank Aaron!
Reviewed in Canada on May 18, 2021
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I have read several books on the great Henry Aaron. This is the most complete and best biography. A fantastic read!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Baseball integration after 1947 . Jackie Robinson got it started but there is along way to go!,,
Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2016
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An excellent read if you enjoy the deeper side of the game . A history of the integration of baseball after Jackie Robinson
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stewart orr
5.0 out of 5 stars Henry Aaron records stand with out the assistance of drugs
Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is possibly the best sports book I hav ever read. I would highly re3commend it to all my friends even if they are not baseball fans,
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