The passing this last week of Henry “Hank” Aaron at age 86 gave sports fans pause to remember one of professional baseball’s greatest players and one of American athletics finest and most honorable men. Hammerin’ Hank’s legendary career saw him surpass Babe Ruth’s home run record in 1974.He must also be remembered for the courage and dignity with which he handled the incredibly vicious racial hatred he had to endure throughout his career, but particularly during his quest to break the record. Aaron was a magician and his bat was a magic wand.
Many people have forgotten this but Hank Aaron got his start in professional baseball with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro League in 1952. The Braves purchased his contract from the Clowns in 1954.
There is a movement to have the Atlanta Braves change their name to the “Hammers” in Aaron’s honor and to remove the connection to a Native American nickname that some may find offensive. I am not going to take a stand but Hank Aaron did play for the Braves and he brought great honor to the name.
Matthew Stafford Playing for the Colts?
The retirement of Philip Rivers didn’t come as a total surprise to the Colts but it does leave a gaping hole in the Colts backfield. Second-year man Jacob Eason is currently the only quarterback on the roster. Jacoby Brissett is a free agent and it’s doubtful that he is in the team’s long range plans. With the 21 pick in the upcoming draft, a franchise quarterback would probably not be available when the Colts select.
At Detroit, long time starter at quarterback, Matthew Stafford and the team have agreed to part company. He came into the league in 2009 from the University of Georgia as the overall number one pick in the draft by the Lions. He holds just about every Lions passing record there is to hold, both single season and career. But in 12 seasons he has only guided the Lions to the playoffs on three occasions and then it was one and done.
The media has already proclaimed the Colts as the logical place for Stafford to land. Stafford is said to be very interested in playing for the Colts, a contending team with a quarterback-friendly head coach. Media personality Daniel Jeramiah has said that the Colts should do whatever it takes to acquire Stafford. It’s what the Lions would want for him that is the sticking point. Stafford is still under contract to the Lions and is a valuable commodity. His contract is expensive and the Colts would have to take that on.
At the very least the Lions would demand the Colts first round pick and maybe more. Would Chris Ballard be willing to do that kind of deal? Also Washington and the 49ers are said to be interested in Stafford which could lead to a bidding war for Stafford’s services. So the Colts and Matthew Stafford is not a done deal. We shall see how it plays out.
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