The other history-making Aaron

Tommie Aaron (No. 28) with his brother Hank

Already back in the minor leagues after seven seasons in the majors, Tommie Aaron is named the manager of the Atlanta Braves’ Class AA team in Savannah, Ga., 51 years ago today.

At the time, the 33-year-old Aaron – the younger brother of future Hall of Famer Hank Aaron – is playing first base for the Braves’ Class AA team when he replaces Clint Courtney as Savannah’s manager in 1973.

In doing so, he also becomes the first Black manager of a team located in the deep South.

Savannah finishes out the 1973 season going 37-45 with Aaron, who then posts a 212-200 record over the next three seasons in Savannah before going 142-137 in two years managing the Braves’ AAA affiliate in Richmond.

In his five-plus seasons as a manager, Aaron helps develop loads of talent for the Braves, including two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy and All-Stars Bruce Benedict, Glenn Hubbard and Biff Pocoroba.