Hank Aaron 715th Home Run
The night Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's home run record.
Henry Louis Aaron (February 5, 1934 – January 22, 2021), nicknamed "Hammer" or "Hammerin' Hank", was an American professional baseball right fielder who played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1954 through 1976. He broke the long-standing MLB record for career home runs held by Babe Ruth and remained the career leader for 33 years, until Barry Bonds surpassed his famous total of 755 in 2007.
- Date
- April 8, 1974
- Location
- Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium
- Opponent
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Pitcher
- Al Downing
- Record Broken
- Babe Ruth (714 Career HRs)
Lore & Background
Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record on April 8, 1974, hitting his 715th home run. Ruth's record had stood since 1935, a span of about 38 years and 10 months. Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs.
In Their Own Story
The air was thick with humidity and anticipation at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Hank Aaron stepped into the batter's box, the weight of sixty years resting on his shoulders. Al Downing wound up, the pitch crossed the plate, and Aaron swung. The crack of the bat echoed through the night as the ball soared toward left field. Time seemed to stop before the roar erupted from the crowd.
Reader's Guide
The 715th home run marked a historic moment in baseball, as Aaron surpassed the legendary Babe Ruth. The record had stood for approximately 38 years and 10 months before Aaron broke it.
Did You Know?
- Babe Ruth's previous career home run record stood for about 38 years and 10 months before Hank Aaron broke it.
- Aaron held the career home run record for 33 years until Barry Bonds surpassed his total of 755 in 2007.
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