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)

Relive the night Hank Aaron hit No. 715 in Atlanta - 45 years ago today

Braves

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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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