Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Relive the night Hank Aaron hit No. 715 in Atlanta

In recognition of Hank Aaron passing Babe Ruth's home run record on April 8, 1974, AJC sports reporter Steve Hummer reads the column written by Furman Bisher, who witnessed history. (Video edited by Ryon Horne/AJC)
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated Jan 22, 2021

On April 8, 1974, a record crowd witnessed Hank Aaron become one of baseball’s immortals at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.

» Photos: The night Aaron became the home run king

In the fourth inning, Aaron stepped up to the plate not to just face Dodgers pitcher Al Downing, but Babe Ruth’s monumental record of 714 home runs.

Here is how baseball’s home run king recalls one of baseball’s biggest nights:

Hank Aaron: Realizing his accomplishment
ExploreHank Aaron’s legendary career by the numbers

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More Stories

Keep Reading

Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has noted in the past there’s value in spending dollars rather than surrendering young talent. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

The Braves have ample spending room, so their options aren’t limited by finances. There are free-agent starters galore, and the trade market offers additional avenues.

Braves bring back reliever Danny Young on split contract

The Braves bring back left-hander Danny Young, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, on a nonguaranteed deal for bullpen depth.

The Latest

Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, seen here announcing Walt Weiss as manager, has some work to do this offseason.

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Braves Report: Making deals and voting Dale

Braves remain focused on pitching ahead of winter meetings

Braves bring back reliever Danny Young on split contract

Featured

Ja’Quon Stembridge, shown here in July at the Henry County Republican Party monthly meeting, recently stepped from his position with the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

A viral confrontation and a sudden resignation shake up Georgia GOP

The man behind the vigilante sting operation that apparently netted a teenage GOP official says he has no regrets.

Why the Atlanta school board voted to close and repurpose some schools

Sixteen schools will be repurposed under the APS Forward 2040 plan as enrollment falls and the district seeks better resources for students.

Small-town Georgia DA brings almost as many RICO cases as Fulton’s Fani Willis

Griffin Judicial Circuit has brought 13 RICO indictments since June 2020.