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

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar (right) smiles during the first full-squad spring training workouts at CoolToday Park, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, North Port, Florida. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

State Rep. Matt Reeves, R-Duluth, introduces himself while attending an AAPI mental health event at Norcross High School on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray