Actual Factual Georgia

A: Holy Toledo! Longtime Atlanta Braves fans might remember Hamilton’s signature call during his nine-year stretch broadcasting Braves games from their first season in Atlanta in 1966 through ’74. It was during his last season in Atlanta that Hamilton became forever linked with Aaron, who broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run mark with his 715th homer on April 8, 1974, an event recently marked by a 40th anniversary ceremony at Turner Field. Hamilton is 86 years old and lives in the Houston area, where he occasionally makes it to Astros games. He retired in 2012, after an amazing 59 years in broadcasting – which included Georgia Tech football and basketball games while he was in Atlanta — and told MLB.com earlier this month: “I don’t know where those 40 years went. I still remember the day as clear as it were yesterday.” Hamilton called the record-breaking home run, which Aaron hit in the fourth inning off Los Angeles pitcher Al Downing. Here are his famous words, which he has said weren’t scripted or rehearsed: “He’s sittin’ on 714. Here’s the pitch by Downing. Swinging. There’s a drive into left-center field. That ball is going to be-eee … out of here! It’s gone! It’s 715! There’s a new home run champion of all-time! And it’s Henry Aaron! The fireworks are going. Henry Aaron is coming around third. His teammates are at home plate. … Henry Aaron, the home run king of all time – 715.” Hamilton moved on after 1974, broadcasting games for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1975-79, the Chicago Cubs from 1980-84 and the Astros from 1985 until his retirement. Hamilton also called the Pirates winning the World Series in 1979, Barry Bonds’ 70th home run in 2001 and 11 no-hitters during his career, but to Braves fans, he’ll always be remembered for No. 715.