Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron

This Day In Baseball

On February 5 1999 —  Major League Baseball will honor each league’s best hitter with an award named after Hank Aaron. The all-time home run king learns about the honor on his 65th birthday at an event which includes US President Bill Clinton and Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Reggie Jackson.

“It’s an award that embodies everything. It’s clearly the person in either league who’s been the best all-around hitter, not just the top power hitter. Tliat’s what makes it so unique.” BUD SELIG Commissioner