#cartercenter

From Pictorial Parade, online here.

HAMMERIN' HANK BREAKS RUTH'S RECORD #OTD 1974

By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs

#OTD in 1974, Hank Aaron (who died in January 2021) hit his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s legendary record before a crowd of 53,775 people, the largest in the history of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. This achievement was bittersweet; at each step of his historic rise, he faced systemic and extreme racism that included hate mail and death threats. He described the effects of this vitriol on his family and his heart:

“It really made me see for the first time a clear picture of what this country is about. My kids had to live like they were in prison because of kidnap threats, and I had to live like a pig in a slaughter camp. I had to duck. I had to go out the back door of the ball parks. I had to have a police escort with me all the time. I was getting threatening letters every single day. All of these things have put a bad taste in my mouth, and it won’t go away. They carved a piece of my heart away.”  NYT interview.

Aaron saved many of those letters and even the death threats.

“To remind myself that we are not that far removed from when I was chasing the record. If you think that, you are fooling yourself. A lot of things have happened in this country, but we have so far to go. There’s not a whole lot that has changed.” USA Today interview.

Such hatred didn’t stop him. Instead, Aaron seized the opportunity for greatness and advancement on the field and beyond (from here): :

“In playing ball, and in life, a person occasionally gets the opportunity to do something great. When that time comes, only two things matter: being prepared to seize the moment and having the courage to take your best swing.” - Hank Aaron

President Carter welcomes Hank Aaron to the White House, 8/15/1978, Carter Library, NARA IDs 180805 and 180806.

“A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come.” –President Carter

President George W. Bush Presents Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hank Aaron, 7/9/2002, George W. Bush Library, NARA ID 6734115.

Related online resources:

Special Topics page: Baseball at the National Archives

eBook: Baseball: The National Pastime in the National Archives

Related Tumblr post: Letter from Jackie Robinson to Nixon Deputy Special Assistant Roland Elliott, 4/20/1972.

Teaching with Documents, Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate

Prologue Magazine story: Jim Crow, Meet Lieutenant Robinson

Pieces of History blog post: Jackie Robinson’s 100th

Teaching Activities on DocsTeach: Analyzing Jackie Robinson’s White House Letter, Analyzing a Photograph of Jackie Robinson, Analyzing a Letter from Jackie Robinson: “Fair Play and Justice”

Online Exhibit: Letter from Jackie Robinson to IKE about the Little Rock 9

President Jimmy Carter welcomes Hank Aaron to the White House, 8/15/1978, from the Carter Library, NARA IDs 180805 and180806.

President George W. Bush Presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hank Aaron, 7/9/2002, from the George W. Bush Library, NARA ID 6734115.

WE REMEMBER HAMMERIN’ HANK

By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs

“A breaker of records and racial barriers, his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire countless athletes and admirers for generations to come.”

--President Carter

Baseball legend and Civil Rights icon Hank Aaron died Friday at age 86. Aaron rose to the top of baseball while facing systemic and extreme racism that included hate mail and death threats. He described the effects of this hatred on his family and his heart:

“It really made me see for the first time a clear picture of what this country is about. My kids had to live like they were in prison because of kidnap threats, and I had to live like a pig in a slaughter camp. I had to duck. I had to go out the back door of the ball parks. I had to have a police escort with me all the time. I was getting threatening letters every single day. All of these things have put a bad taste in my mouth, and it won’t go away. They carved a piece of my heart away.”  NYT interview.

Aaron saved many of those letters and even the death threats: 

“To remind myself that we are not that far removed from when I was chasing the record. If you think that, you are fooling yourself. A lot of things have happened in this country, but we have so far to go. There’s not a whole lot that has changed.” USA Today interview.

But such hatred didn’t stop him. He seized the opportunity for greatness and advancement on the field and beyond (from here):

“In playing ball, and in life, a person occasionally gets the opportunity to do something great. When that time comes, only two things matter: being prepared to seize the moment and having the courage to take your best swing.”

Tweets from the Carter Library, 1/22/2021. Online here and here.

See related resources:

Special Topics page: Baseball at the National Archives

eBook: Baseball: The National Pastime in the National Archives

Related Tumblr post: Letter from Jackie Robinson to Nixon Deputy Special Assistant Roland Elliott, 4/20/1972.

Teaching with Documents, Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate

Prologue Magazine story: Jim Crow, Meet Lieutenant Robinson

Pieces of History blog post: Jackie Robinson’s 100th

Teaching Activities on DocsTeach: Analyzing Jackie Robinson’s White House Letter, Analyzing a Photograph of Jackie Robinson, Analyzing a Letter from Jackie Robinson: “Fair Play and Justice”

Online Exhibit: Letter from Jackie Robinson to IKE about the Little Rock 9

Jimmy Carter's health journey has been a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to service. Despite numerous health challenges, including a severe type of melanoma and multiple injuries from falls, Carter has continued his humanitarian work. His story not only highlights his personal strength but also underscores the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.

Early Life and Naval Career

Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter's early life was marked by hard work and community values. Growing up in the small farming town of Archery, without running water or electricity, he learned the importance of perseverance and dedication. His educational journey led him to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1946. Serving in the submarine service of the U.S. Navy, Carter demonstrated his commitment to leadership and service.

Post-Presidency Humanitarian Work

After completing his presidency in 1981, Carter established the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center has been instrumental in promoting human rights, democracy, and peace worldwide. Through its various programs, the Carter Center has monitored over 100 elections and resolved conflicts in countries such as Haiti, Bosnia, Ethiopia, North Korea, and Sudan.

First Health Scare: Metastatic Melanoma Diagnosis

In August 2015, Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, a rapidly growing skin cancer that had spread to his liver and brain. At the age of 90, Carter faced a daunting health battle. Following surgery to remove a liver mass, further examinations confirmed the presence of melanoma in his brain.

Treatment and Remission

Carter underwent a combination of immunotherapy and radiation therapy to combat his metastatic melanoma. He received radiation therapy targeting the melanoma spots in his brain and used the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. By December 2015, Carter announced that he was free of cancerous growths, a significant victory in his health journey.

Recurring Falls and Injuries

In 2019, Carter experienced multiple falls resulting in significant injuries. In May, he broke his hip, requiring surgery. Later that year, he underwent another operation to relieve brain pressure caused by bleeding from recent falls. These incidents also led to a small pelvic fracture, necessitating hospitalizations and surgeries to address his injuries.

Melanoma Returns and Hospice Care Decision

In February 2023, Carter chose to end medical treatment and enter hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, due to a severe type of melanoma. This decision, announced by the Carter Center and confirmed by his grandson Jason Carter, marked a significant moment in his health journey. Despite initial expectations of a short remaining time, Carter has continued to spend precious moments with his family.

Remaining Time at Home with Family

Carter, now 99 years old, has been receiving hospice care at home for over a year, surpassing expectations. Even after the recent loss of his wife Rosalynn, he remains surrounded by his family. His home in Plains is filled with love and peace, a testament to the strength of his Christian faith and the support of his loved ones.

Impact on the Carter Center and Ongoing Projects

Despite his health challenges, the Carter Center continues its crucial work under the leadership of its Board of Trustees, including Jason Carter. The center remains dedicated to promoting human rights, resolving conflicts, and reducing global suffering. Key projects such as election monitoring, disease eradication, and agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa persist, reflecting the center's enduring commitment to its mission.

Ethical Considerations in End-of-Life Care

Carter's decision to enter hospice care has sparked important conversations about end-of-life decisions and the need for compassionate support for terminally ill individuals. His choice to focus on comfort care at home highlights the necessity for empathetic and honest discussions about end-of-life care.

Conclusion