In a surprise statement released after the All-Star Game played in Pittsburgh, Hank Aaron, who had indicated on many occasions that he had no interest in the position, publicly declares he would accept a Braves’ offer to manage the team “simply because there are no black managers in baseball.” The superstar’s comments create an awkward situation the next day when Atlanta announces the organization has hired Clyde King to replace Eddie Mathews, dismissed three days ago.

On July 23, 1974 — In a surprise statement released after the All-Star Game played in Pittsburgh, Hank Aaron, who had indicated on many occasions that he had no interest in the position, publicly declares he would accept a Braves’ offer to manage the team “simply because there are no black managers in baseball.” The superstar’s comments create an awkward situation the next day when Atlanta announces the organization has hired Clyde King to replace Eddie Mathews, dismissed three days ago.

Sources:
National Pastime January 28

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