Braves legend turns 74, counts his blessings

[HMFFL]

Happy 74th birthday, Hank Aaron. As the Braves legend prepares to blow out the (74) candles today, Aaron gives us the five most memorable birthday presents he has ever received:

1. President Clinton attending my 65th birthday party. It doesn't matter if a president is a Democrat or a Republican, a sitting president of the United States at your birthday party is something you cherish the rest of your life. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

2. Each toy and each party my parents gave me as a kid. They didn't have much of anything and couldn't afford much, but they would save to buy me a toy and have a party for me. No one stands out over another. They were all special because I knew what they were sacrificing to do it.

3. The surprise party my wife Billye had for me when I turned 62. It was at the Downtown Ritz, and my closest friends came from all over the country. They gave me money for my Chase a Dream Foundation for kids. I think I was the only one who didn't know about the party.

4. Bud Selig announcing the Hank Aaron Award at my birthday party in 1999. Bud has done so many nice things for me, but naming the award for the top hitter in Major League Baseball each season after me is an honor that really humbled me.

5. Billye giving me trips each year. They are all great. We just got back from a cruise through the Panama Canal. I had read about it all my life and loved seeing it. I would never make these trips if she didn't give them to me, and I have loved every one of them.

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