It was one of the biggest sports stories of the century.
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit his 715th career home run breaking the record set by Babe Ruth back in 1935.
“A full house of 53,775 was on hand, along with the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who sent veteran left-hander Al Downing to the mound attempting to delay Aaron’s mission. The crowd’s attention, along with that of a national television audience, peaked when Aaron came to the plate…”
Vin Scully calls Hank Aaron’s historic home run:
“….On Sept. 29, (1973) he hit his 40th home run of the season, the 713th of his career, to place him one behind Babe Ruth for the all-time record.
….During that off-season Aaron was bombarded by racist messages and threats on his life from people who didn’t want to see an African-American break the most hallowed record in sports. The threats were so prevalent that Aaron feared for his life.
Opening Day of 1974 against the Cincinnati Reds’ Jack Billingham in the first inning, Aaron tied Babe Ruth with his 714th career home run. As Aaron rounded the bases and was about to touch home, Reds catcher Johnny Bench extended his hand to congratulate him.
Four days later, on April 8, 1974, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron had another chance to celebrate. In the bottom of the fourth inning against Al Downing, Aaron launched one over the left field fence in Atlanta to send the crowd of over 55,000 into pandemonium….”
— Hank Aaron Biography
ESPN
Page one from The (Dover, Ohio) Times Reporter:
“….The ball that crowned Aaron as the sport’s home run king was marked with serial number 12 12 2 2 and with clubhouse attendant Bill Acree’s signature in invisible ink.
Aaron hit number 715 into the Braves’ bullpen on April 8, 1974, to eclipse Babe Ruth’s record. But a moment that should have been among the happiest of his life was instead only a relief; he barely remembers rounding the bases.
The media scrutiny leading up to that moment had been intense….”
— Looking back at people behind Hank Aaron’s record 715th HR
Sports Illustrated, 2014
Hank Aaron recalls his 715th career home run:
