The Hank Aaron State Trail runs 14 miles from Lake Michigan in Milwaukee to the Milwaukee/Waukesha County line.
And when you think of Hammerin’ Hank and Wisconsin, you usually think of Milwaukee. But that’s not why we’re here.
Aaron’s road to the big leagues (following his sale from the Indianapolis Clowns, at least) began as an 18-year-old in Wisconsin. A three and a half hour drive northwest of Milwaukee, in Eau Claire.
On June 14, 1952, Henry Aaron played his first game for the Eau Claire Bears (Class C Northern League) at Carson Park.
Carson Park was built in 1937; a Works Progress Administration project.
Henry hit .336/.401/.493 with 9 home runs & 25 stolen bases in 87 games (at age 18, remember!) in his lone season in Eau Claire.
The Bears went 72-53 under player/manager Bill Adair.
I didn’t get a chance to go inside; it was a quick stop on the drive home to suburban Chicago from Minneapolis. But from the outside, it’s a pretty looking park.
Definitely worth a visit.
The Hardball Voyager 