Tommie Aaron – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Tommie Aaron left Major League Baseball on September 26, 1971, closing out a career that lasted almost a decade. He spent most of it living in the shadow of his legendary brother Hank Aaron.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Tommie tried to make his own mark as a first baseman and outfielder for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. His last season in 1971 wrapped up a seven-year MLB run that included 437 games, 13 home runs, and a .229 batting average.

Tommie Aaron never reached the heights his Hall of Fame brother did, but his story gives us a different look at baseball in the 1960s and early 1970s. He played through the Braves’ move from Milwaukee to Atlanta and managed some strong minor league years, especially when he won International League MVP in 1967 with the Richmond Braves.

Tommie’s career and retirement really show the tough road for players trying to step out from under a famous family name. After baseball, he kept contributing to the game, and those who knew him remember a dedicated athlete whose influence went way beyond stats.

Tommie Aaron’s Retirement in 1971

Tommie Aaron wrapped up his major league career in 1971 after seven seasons with the Braves. At 32, he played his last game on September 26, 1971, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Final MLB Season and Statistics

The 1971 season didn’t go smoothly for Tommie. He played in just 25 games for the Atlanta Braves that year, spending most of his time in the minors.

The Braves gave him less playing time, and he managed just 53 at-bats in the majors that season. His numbers dipped compared to earlier years.

He did better at home, hitting .255 in 17 games. On the road, though, he played only 8 games and hit just .100.

In his final game on September 26, 1971, against the Dodgers, Tommie got 1 at-bat and notched 1 hit. He didn’t homer, drive in any runs, or steal a base in that last appearance.

Circumstances Around Retirement

Tommie decided to retire after he couldn’t hold onto a regular roster spot. At 32, he was up against younger competition on the Braves.

The Braves sent him down to the minors for most of 1971, which pretty much spelled the end of his big league chances. His career stats show the uphill battle he faced: a .229 lifetime batting average, 13 home runs, and 94 RBIs in 437 games.

When the Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 1966, Tommie got some new opportunities. Still, he never really became an everyday player. His sporadic appearances from 1962 to 1971 make it clear how tough it was to stick in the majors.

Reactions from Teammates and Fans

Hank Aaron, his Hall of Fame brother, often praised Tommie’s skills and character. “He was a terrific defensive ballplayer,” Hank told The Sporting News in 1999. “I just wish that he had a chance to play a little longer.”

Hank also mentioned Tommie’s deep love for the game. “He truly loved the game of baseball,” he said. That passion showed, even when Tommie didn’t play much.

Teammates noticed Tommie’s defensive ability, even if the bat didn’t always come around. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he looked the part at first base and in the outfield. The respect he got from other players says a lot about his professionalism.

Complete Playing Career Overview

Tommie Aaron played seven seasons in the majors from 1962 to 1971, all with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. He finished with a .229 average, 13 home runs, and 94 RBIs in 437 games, usually as a first baseman and utility player.

Major League Baseball Tenure

Tommie made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Braves in 1962 at age 22. That rookie season gave him his most playing time—he appeared in 141 games and had 382 plate appearances.

The team moved to Atlanta in 1966. Tommie missed the big league roster in 1964 and then again in 1966 and 1967, but he came back to play for Atlanta from 1968 through 1971.

Career Stats by Season:

• 1962: .231 average, 8 home runs, 38 RBIs (141 games)
• 1963: .200 average, 1 home run, 15 RBIs (72 games)
• 1968: .244 average, 1 home run, 25 RBIs (98 games)
• 1969-1971: Fewer games, 118 total over three seasons

Tommie played at first base, left field, and even third base sometimes. That flexibility made him a handy utility guy.

Career Achievements and Milestones

Tommie’s biggest minor league moment came in 1967 when he won International League MVP with the Richmond Braves. That really highlighted his potential.

His top major league season was his rookie year in 1962. He posted career highs in games, hits (77), home runs (8), and RBIs (38).

After hanging up his cleats in 1971, Tommie moved into managing and coaching. He managed minor league teams from 1973 to 1978 and then coached in the majors with the Braves from 1979 to 1984.

He kept working in baseball, helping develop players at both minor and major league levels.

Notable Games and Highlights

Tommie played his last big league game on September 26, 1971, against the Dodgers. He got a hit in his only at-bat that day.

Back in 1962, his rookie year, he stood out on defense at first base, posting a .989 fielding percentage. He played 110 games at first that season, handling 558 fielding chances.

He made a rare postseason appearance in 1969, playing one game in the National League Championship Series. He didn’t get a hit in his lone plate appearance.

Hank Aaron never missed a chance to talk up Tommie’s defense. “He was a terrific defensive ballplayer. I just wish that he had a chance to play a little longer. He truly loved the game of baseball.”

Position and Contributions as First Baseman

Tommie Aaron mainly played first base during his seven seasons with the Braves from 1962 to 1971. His defense at first and steady offense made him a solid utility player for the team.

Role and Responsibilities

Tommie worked as both a starter and backup first baseman. He handled all the defensive duties at first, like taking throws from infielders on groundouts and force plays.

At 6’3″, he had the reach to snag tough throws. That height helped him out for sure.

Managers sometimes put him in left field or other spots, too. His ability to play multiple positions gave coaches more options.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fielding grounders at first base
• Taking throws from infielders
• Covering first on bunts
• Turning double plays and handling pickoff attempts

Fielding Performance

Tommie’s defensive stats show he was steady and reliable at first base. His fielding percentage and error numbers matched up with other players from his era.

He had good hands and decent footwork. He could scoop up low throws and help out his fellow infielders.

His sense of positioning and game awareness added to his value. Tommie seemed to know where to be for different hitters and situations.

He was especially important on defense during his best years in the mid-1960s. His consistency at first gave managers one less thing to worry about.

Offensive Contributions

At the plate, Tommie hit .229 for his career, with 13 home runs and 94 RBIs in 437 games. His best power numbers came in 1962, when he hit eight of those home runs.

He could come through with a clutch hit now and then. Out of his 216 career hits, 42 were doubles and 6 were triples.

His best offensive stretch was probably early on in Milwaukee. Over his career, he scored 102 runs and drew 86 walks.

Tommie’s offense wasn’t flashy, but he chipped in when needed. That steady play, both at bat and in the field, made him a useful role player for the Braves.

Life and Legacy of Tommie Aaron

Tommie Lee Aaron’s story goes way beyond his seven years in the majors. He shared a special family bond with Hank Aaron and made a real impact as a coach and mentor after his playing days.

Early Life and Family Background

Tommie was born on August 5, 1939, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a family that loved baseball, and somehow, two brothers from that house made it to the big leagues.

The Milwaukee Braves signed Tommie on May 28, 1958, when he was just 18. Clearly, the team saw something in him early.

He worked his way up through the minors, playing for the Richmond Braves in the International League during the mid-60s. All that effort paid off when he won the International League MVP in 1967.

Tommie married Carolyn Davenporte on October 13, 1962. They had three kids: Efrem, Tommie Jr., and Veleeta.

Relationship with Hank Aaron

Tommie was Hank Aaron’s younger brother, and that connection gave them a unique spot in baseball history.

The Aaron brothers became the first siblings to play together in a League Championship Series. That’s not something you see every day.

Together, they set the Major League record for most home runs by brothers, with 768 total. Hank hit 755, and Tommie added 13.

Their partnership on the field was pretty special. Not many brothers get to share that kind of success in pro sports.

The Aaron family’s influence on baseball goes beyond just the numbers. They showed what hard work and determination can do.

Post-Retirement Activities

After leaving the field in 1971, Tommie stayed involved in baseball as a coach and manager. He managed minor league teams from 1973 to 1978.

He later joined the Atlanta Braves as a major league coach from 1979 to 1984. His playing experience helped him mentor younger guys coming up.

Sadly, Tommie passed away from leukemia on August 16, 1984, at just 45 years old. He’s buried in Mobile, Alabama, at the Catholic Cemetery.

His legacy lives on through several honors. The Richmond Braves created the Tommie Aaron Memorial Award for their MVP, and the Braves’ AAA club (now the Gwinnett Stripers) retired his number 23. That says a lot about the respect he earned.

Honors, Recognition, and Final Resting Place

Tommie Aaron received recognition during his career and after his death in 1984. He now rests in Catholic Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.

Memorials and Tributes

Tommie picked up several honors for his baseball contributions. In 1967, he was named Most Valuable Player of the International League with the Richmond Braves.

The Richmond Braves created the “Tommie Aaron Memorial Award” for their MVP each year. That tradition kept his name alive in the organization where he made his mark.

In 2008, Tommie was elected to the International League Hall of Fame, honoring both his playing and managing achievements.

He and Hank also share a unique record—together, the Aaron brothers hit 768 home runs in the majors. Hank had 755, Tommie chipped in 13, and those numbers still stand as a testament to their family’s place in baseball history.

Burial at Catholic Cemetery

Tommie Aaron died on August 16, 1984, at just 45 years old. Leukemia took his life, and his family buried him at Catholic Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama, where he grew up.

He was born in Mobile on August 5, 1939. In the end, he returned home—his final resting place ended up being the same city where everything started for him.

His burial in Mobile really tied him back to his Alabama roots. Both Tommie and his brother Hank spent their early years in that city before baseball took them elsewhere.

Net Worth and Impact Beyond Baseball

Tommie Aaron’s financial legacy wasn’t huge by today’s standards. Most sources estimate his net worth at around $8-10 million when he died in 1984.

He made his biggest mark by helping set the brother combination home run record and by mentoring young baseball talent. That’s what people remember most.

Estimated Net Worth at Time of Death

Most sources say Tommie Aaron’s net worth in 1984 was somewhere between $8 and $10 million. He earned most of that during his years with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1971.

Back then, baseball salaries didn’t come close to what players make now. Tommie’s career in the majors only lasted nine seasons, so his earnings couldn’t match those of players who stuck around longer.

After he retired, Tommie worked as a minor league manager and coach for the Braves. That job kept him in baseball, but the pay wasn’t anything like what he made as a player.

The Aaron family’s biggest financial milestone came from the combined achievements of both brothers. Tommie and Hank Aaron together hold the major league record for most home runs hit by brothers—768 in total.

Cultural and Community Contributions

Tommie Aaron made an impact that went far beyond his stats. He spent a lot of time mentoring younger players in the Braves organization, especially after he finished his own playing career.

He worked hard developing talent in the minor leagues. Honestly, he seemed to care about helping new players find their way.

The Richmond Braves created the “Tommie Aaron Memorial Award” to honor his memory. They give this annual recognition to the team’s most valuable player, so his legacy sticks around in professional baseball.

In 1967, Aaron won International League Most Valuable Player. That showed he could really excel at the top levels of minor league baseball.

This achievement helped him earn respect as someone who truly knew how to develop players. People noticed his dedication.

When he coached for the Atlanta Braves, he shared what he learned from playing with stars—especially his brother Hank Aaron. That kind of experience made a difference for the next generation of players.

Leukemia took Aaron’s life at just 45, and people expected him to have a much longer coaching career. Even now, the Braves organization recognizes his contributions to baseball development.