ABHM Book Club: I Had A Hammer

ABHM Book Club’s May selection is I Had a Hammer by Hank Aaron, which we will discuss on May 20^th at 6 PM in person at the Grohmann Museum (with virtual option available).

This selection is in partnership with the Team Beckum Public History project as part of the forthcoming exhibition at the Grohmann Museum, “Going to Work for the Community: A Visual History of the Beckum-Stapleton Little League,” on view from April 11^th through May 25^th, 2025. In person registration for ABHM Book Club includes access to the exhibit and other Grohmann galleries before the discussion begins.

For in person participation:
REGISTER HERE

For virtual participation:
REGISTER HERE

I Had a Hammer is more than the autobiography of baseball legend Hank Aaron—it’s a gripping chronicle of courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of America’s deep-rooted racism. From his beginnings in the Negro Leagues to his rise as Major League Baseball’s all-time home run king, Aaron’s story captures the spirit of a man who shattered records and racial barriers alike.

With unflinching honesty, Aaron recounts the intense hatred and controversy that surrounded his historic 715th home run—an achievement that surpassed Babe Ruth’s revered mark and sparked both celebration and vicious backlash. Through candid reflections and voices of those who knew him best, Aaron details his early struggles with segregation in the South Atlantic League, his warm reception in Milwaukee, and the colder, more hostile environment in Atlanta.

But this is more than a sports story—it’s a powerful social document. Aaron, a fierce advocate for civil rights and a successor to Jackie Robinson’s legacy, exposes the racism still embedded in professional sports and beyond. As both a player and later an executive with the Atlanta Braves, his life stands as a testament to dignity, determination, and the enduring fight for equality.