ATLANTA (AP) — Hank Aaron refused to be intimidated by racist hate mail or threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record.Aaron’s teammates, includin
FILE – Atlanta Braves’ Hank Aaron eyes the flight of the ball after hitting his 715th career homer in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta , Ga., Monday night, April 8, 1974. Aaron broke Babe Ruth ’s record of 714 career home runs. Dodgers southpaw pitcher Al Downing, catcher Joe Ferguson and umpire David Davidson look on. Just in time for the 50-year anniversary of Hank Aaron ’s record 715th home run, Charlie Russo is making available video he shot of the homer.
After sprinting from the bullpen to deliver the ball to Aaron at home plate, House found Aaron’s mother giving the slugger a big hug. Baker referred to Aaron as a father figure or big brother who looked out for him as he began his playing career with the Braves. Baker and other teammates, including Ralph Garr, tried to look out for Aaron during the home run chase.
“One time the FBI wanted to come meet with him on a Sunday and asked him not to play because they felt they had legitimate death threats on him,” Hope said. “One of the honors of your life that you don’t want is when Hank died, at his funeral, Dusty and I were the only two nonfamily pallbearers,” Hope said. “When I realized that at the funeral, it was almost overwhelming.”
To mark the 50-year anniversary of Aaron’s 715th homer, the Atlanta History Center will open a new exhibit to the public celebrating Aaron on Tuesday that will remain open through the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to attend a preview of the exhibit on Monday.
Cincinnati Tom House Ruth Houston Greene Cincinnati Ohio United States ATLANTA Houston Texas United States Andre Dawson Bill Lucas Wonya Lucas Cooperstown Cooperstown New York United States Atlanta Georgia United States Bob Hope Dusty Baker New York United States Hank Aaron Invitational Harris Ralph Garr Michael Harris II Rob Manfred Hunter Greene Gaile Sports Human Interest Atlanta Braves BABE RUTH LEAGUE INC. World Series
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