Hank Aaron: This list is in alphabetical order, but by whatever method, Aaron’s name belongs at the top of any compilation of the stars of Atlanta’s big-league sports history. His 715th home run, hit on April 8, 1974, in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, broke Babe Ruth’s career record, giving Aaron and Atlanta the most hallowed record in sports. The record fell 33 years later, but Aaron’s eminence has only grown through the decades.

Morten Andersen: Of his 565 NFL field goals made, including 184 for the Falcons, one stands out in Atlanta sports lore: the kick in overtime of the 1998 NFC Championship game to beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome and put the Falcons in the Super Bowl for the first — and still only — time.

Jamal Anderson: His 1,846 rushing yards, still a franchise single-season record, and “DirtyBird” celebratory dances fueled the best season in Falcons history in 1998.

William Andrews: In the early 1980s, before a knee injury cut short his Falcons career, Andrews became just the second running back in NFL history to have two seasons of 2,000 combined (rushing and receiving) yards. O.J. Simpson was the first.

Bill Bartholomay: As the young leader of the Milwaukee Braves’ ownership group, Bartholomay brought the Braves — and major-league sports — to Atlanta in 1966. His group sold the Braves to Ted Turner 10 years later, but Bartholomay has remained influential with the franchise ever since.

Steve Bartkowski: Until recently the Falcons’ career leader in passing yards and touchdown passes, Bartkowski started 127 games at quarterback from 1975-85 and led the franchise to its first playoff berth in 1978.

Walt Bellamy: Late in his career, the Hall of Fame center played five seasons with the Hawks from 1969-74, averaging 15.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per game during that time. He died in 2013.

Leeman Bennett: He was the first coach to post a career winning record with the Falcons: 46-41 and three playoff berths from 1977 through 1982. Appreciation of Bennett’s record only grew when the Falcons had losing records in eight consecutive seasons after he was fired.

Arthur Blank: Since buying the Falcons in 2002, Blank has upgraded the franchise on and off the field. He is the driving force behind the retractable-roof stadium under construction downtown and slated to open in 2017.

Skip Caray: Although he came to Atlanta to broadcast Hawks games in 1968, Caray made his mark calling Braves games on radio and television from 1976 until his death in 2008. His witty and honest style in good times and bad captivated Atlanta fans and helped draw a national audience.