Atlanta Braves

Relive the night Hank Aaron hit No. 715 in Atlanta

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:

April 8: The day Hank Aaron became the home run king

2024 marks 50 years since Hank Aaron’s 715th historic and record-setting home run. Learn more about the man and his moment

Hank Aaron honored with new statue at Baseball Hall of Fame

April 2024: Braves honor Hank Aaron’s record and his life with ceremonies at Truist Park

Andrew Young | The sermon of Aaron’s life: ‘Discipline and focus and using the gifts that God gives you’

Hank Aaron anniversary: About the animated image with glittering lights from AJC

Atlanta remembers: Where to find Aaron anniversary section, book from AJC

Dusty Baker | On historic homer: ‘I’m going to get it over with right now’

Furman Bisher | From 1974: A witness to history

Tom House | Getting a ‘thanks, kid’ after delivering the historic memento

Ralph Garr | ‘God knew what he was doing’ picking Hank Aaron to break home run record

From 2021: Hank Aaron’s funeral a tribute to more than a baseball great

Our coverage of Hank Aaron’s 50th anniversary of 715

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

More Stories