ATLANTA — A private memorial service was held at Truist Park on Tuesday, in honor of baseball great Hank Aaron.
In attendance was MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Brian Snitker, Marquis Grissom and Chipper Jones. Speaking via video was Freddie Freeman, Dusty Baker, Dale Murphy, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz.
The Atlanta Braves confirmed on Friday that the legend died in his sleep. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Monday to 11Alive the cause of death appears to be "natural."
The memorial service, which took place at 1 p.m. in front of the Aaron memorabilia inside the stadium, is the first of two events that will be held this week in honor of Aaron.
The private funeral service will be on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church. Aaron will then be entombed at South-View Cemetery at 1990 Jonesboro Road SE in Atlanta.
11Alive plans on streaming both services on 11Alive.com and the 11Alive YouTube channel.
Aaron, affectionately known as "Hammerin' Hank," played 23 major league seasons and hit 755 home runs - the second most of all-time.
He debuted with the Braves as a 20-year-old in 1954 and spent the next 21 seasons in a Braves uniform.
The Braves said when he retired, he held major-league career records in extra-base hits (1,477), total bases (6,856) and RBI (2,297) – the latter two he still holds today.
Although he's known as the "home run king," community members will also remember him for his philanthropy.
Aaron is survived by his wife, Billye, and five children.
