Monster Card Monday: 1973 Hank Aaron

No doubt, Hank Aaron is recognized as one of the all-time greats.  Yet, in some ways, he is still underrated.  Here is a man who was hitting double-digit homers ten years before I was born.  He still managed to have a superstar year as I was entering junior high school.  Lance Freezeland was excited to see this card when he opened his package from APBA.  Of course, Hammerin’ Hank was first one on top. 

Aaron’s year in 1973 prompts a popular trivia question.  That year, the Braves were the first team to have three players to hit at least 40 homeruns.  Aaron (40), Dave Johnson (43) and Darrell Evans (41) all helped to accomplish the feat. 

Aaron’s 1973 season turned out to be a chase for the all-time homerun record.  What should have been a glorious event for Hank turned out to tainted by threats and racism.  Aaron handled it with grace and got the job done but not till the next season in 1974. 

Overall, Aaron hit .301 with 40 homers, 96 rbis with a nice .643 slugging percentage. 

Three ones.  You don’t see that often especially on a starter.  In addition, Aaron received a 44-7 plus four 8s (making him especially dangerous against C and D starters). 

Aaron only doubled 12 times in relation to his 40 homers so his one 6 is justified (watch out with a runner on third base, though!).

By the age of 39, Aaron had lost his Fast speed rating and his OF-3 defensive rating but he still showed good bat control.  Unlike today, three 13s was probably considered a lot back in the early 70s but it is balanced by four 14s.

Fun numbers:  33-1, 11-1, 64-14

I see that that the 12 on this set is placed on the 42.  I believe that is the “best” dice roll number that APBA has historically placed the 12. 

If anyone is interested, I recommend reading this SABR bio by Bill Johnson.  It’s a good snapshot of Aaron’s life. 

thanks to Lance!