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

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Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. yells to Miami Marlins pitcher Ryan Gusto after he was hit by a pitch during the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Miami. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have made roughly 3.6 times more arrests in Georgia in the first six months of President Donald Trump's term as they did during thelast six months of Joe Biden's presidency. (Phil Robibero/AJC)

Credit: Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Open Street Map