Faith warrior and baseball legend Hank Aaron dies at 86

A man who is known as one of the greatest home run hitters and pitchers in Major League Baseball died late last week.

Hank Aaron was a dedicated Christian who dealt with extreme racism in his lifetime and overcame barriers to achieve incredible success in the MLB, Charisma News reports.

Aaron played for the Milwaukee Braves, the Atlanta Braves, and the Milwaukee Brewers, beating Babe Ruth's then-record of 714 home runs with his own career 755. He is second on the all-time home run record list to Barry Bonds.

Before he achieved this career success, however, Aaron focused on his relationship with God -- a reliance that helped him through his life.

"I need to depend on someone who is bigger, stronger, and wiser than I am," Aaron said in a story by The American Conservatie nearly 50 years ago.

"I don't do it on my own. God is my strength. He gave me a good body and some talent and the freedom to develop it."

Aaron continued.

"He helps me when things go wrong. He forgives me when I fall on my face. He lights the way."

Racism was an issue Aaron faced daily, particularly following his promotion to the major leagues in 1954. Jackie Robinson is applauded for breaking the MLB's colour line in 1947 but Aaron, too, faced many discriminatory barriers.

Aaron is said to have dealt with these struggles with quiet humility and class, punctuated by his confidence and stellar athletic performances.

"There's only one way to break the colour line," Aaron says in his 1974 interview. "Play good. Play so good they can't remember what colour you were before the season started."

Aaron continued to endure racial slurs and other discriminatory actions against him as he continued to destroy records through his performances on the diamond.

He is credited with helping contribute to the desegregation of baseball.

By the end of his career, Aaron ad a .305 batting average over 24 seasons. He had 15 seasons with at least 30 home runs. He also appeared in 24 All-Star Games.

The legend served as a general manager for the Atlanta Braves following his retirement from play fora  few years. He then pursued a career in business.

Aaron is remembered as a Christian and a proud American.

"This country has so much potential," Aaron says. "I'd just like to see things better ... and I think it will be."

Aaron died in his sleep on Jan. 22. He was 86.