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

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. jogs onto the field to warm up before their game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Ronald Acuña Jr. wins NL Comeback Player of the Year

How Drake Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year win affects the Braves’ future

The Braves gained a first-round pick and extra draft cash thanks to Drake Baldwin’s standout rookie season.

Drake Baldwin wins National League Rookie of the Year

Braves catcher Drake Baldwin won the 2025 National League Rookie of the Year award. Baldwin earned the honor over Cubs pitcher Cade Horton and Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin.

The Latest

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. jogs onto the field to warm up before their game against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Atlanta. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Ronald Acuña Jr. wins NL Comeback Player of the Year

How Drake Baldwin’s Rookie of the Year win affects the Braves’ future

Drake Baldwin wins National League Rookie of the Year

Featured

University of Georgia students are seen entering and leaving the main Library on the Athens campus on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

UGA to pay $100K H-1B visa fee only ‘in exceptional circumstances’

The University of Georgia could soon limit the number of foreign workers it employs, a result of the $100,000 fee imposed on some H-1B visas.

Georgia judges deal blow to ICE’s new mandatory detention policy

The ruling is a first-of-its-kind to come out of Georgia’s Middle District.

At the Cobb jail, a new kind of rehabilitation starts at the horse barn

Joshua Arp is one of two Cobb County jail detainees taking part of the sheriff’s office new equine therapy program meant to help him stay out of jail.