During the 1999 baseball season, starting with an on-field ceremony on April 8th (the day he broke Babe Ruth's record for career home runs) at Turner Field in Atlanta, various special events as well as local and national promotions will be held to honor Aaron. A special award in Hank's name honoring the best hitters in the American and National Leagues will be created and awarded annually. This year the award will be presented by Country Time® Lemonade, which will promote its involvement with Major League Baseball and Hank Aaron nationally in stores and through consumer advertising. Currently, the Award is scheduled to be presented at the 1999 World Series.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration program will extend into national and local support for his charity, Chasing the Dream, which provides financial assistance to young people with limited opportunities, enabling them to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.

"Twenty-five years ago, Henry Aaron accomplished an incredible feat by hitting 715 home runs, breaking Babe Ruth's record," said Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner of Baseball. "Over the course of his 23-year career Hank contributed a great deal to the game and continues to do so by assisting others through the support of his Chasing the Dream Foundation. We are honored to join with Hank and his family as we celebrate this special anniversary."

Hank Aaron first appeared in a Milwaukee Braves uniform in 1954. During his career he hit 40 or more home runs in eight different seasons (1957, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1973). He continued to play with the National League franchise Braves following their move to Atlanta in 1966. In 1975, the year after he broke Babe Ruth's home run record, he returned to Milwaukee with the American League Brewers where he finished his career in 1976 with 755 home runs. Hank has a lifetime batting average of .305, with 755 home runs and 2,297 RBIs. He appeared in 3,298 games with 12,364 at bats.

In addition to the April 8th on-field ceremonies, a fully integrated plan has been developed including national and local promotions, special events, and retail licensing initiatives supported by a print, radio and television campaign. These will run through the 1999 season.

©1999 Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc.