Forty years ago, Hank Aaron broke the hallowed record of Babe Ruth on his way to 755 career home runs, all while combating racism with quiet dignity.

On Friday evening at a private party celebrating his 80th birthday, friends, former teammates and baseball luminaries paid tribute to Aaron, according to an ESPN.com report.

The Philadelphia Phillies plan to honor Charlie Manuel on their Wall of Fame prior to their Aug. 9 game against the New York Mets.

Manuel will become the 36th member of the club.

He led Philadelphia to five straight National League East titles and the franchise's second World Series crown in 2008.