ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Braves, in partnership with Truist Bank, have announced the successful completion of projects for the “Homers for Hank Together with Truist” initiative, officially fulfilling a $1 million commitment to support baseball and softball programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Braves Country.
The initiative, established in 2021 and supported by the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, continues the enduring legacy of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron by investing in the development of diverse scholar-athletes both on and off the field.
The Commitment and the Cause
The program’s unique funding mechanism directly tied the Braves’ on-field performance to the community investment:
- The Donation: For every home run hit by the Atlanta Braves throughout the season, Truist donated $755 (in honor of Aaron’s career home run total) to the Henry Louis Aaron Fund to support the initiative.
- The Impact: The money was channeled directly into HBCU baseball and softball programs in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Highlights of the 2025 Projects
The final phase of the $1 million commitment focused on six HBCU recipients who received critical upgrades, ranging from high-tech equipment to essential facility renovations. These enhancements ensure the programs have the necessary tools to compete and develop:
| HBCU Recipient | Key Program Investment |
| Albany State University (GA) | Arena-style batting cages, field improvements, and new uniforms. |
| Jackson State University (MS) | Turf home plate halo and HitTrax Technology (advanced hitting analysis). |
| Alabama A&M University (AL) | HD camera system for analysis and streaming. |
| Benedict College (SC) | Field maintenance equipment, backstop padding, and a storage building. |
| Claflin University (SC) | Pitching machine and new equipment for the softball program. |
| South Carolina State University (SC) | Pitching machine and new equipment for the softball program. |
The completion of these projects signals a major milestone in the Braves’ and Truist’s commitment to advancing equity and fostering quality baseball experiences in diverse communities, echoing the values championed by Hank Aaron throughout his life.
