Atlanta Braves Hank Aaron Ties Babe Ruth

Heading into the 1974 season, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron was one home run behind Babe Ruth for the career lead. He made sure he was not behind for long.

It was time. Babe Ruth, the all time home run leader, a player whose greatness and larger than life personality had been the stuff of legends for generations, was about to be caught. Heading into the 1974 season, Atlanta Braves outfielder Hank Aaron was only one home run behind Ruth’s hallowed 714, and only an injury or a miracle would keep that record intact.

As it turned out, neither would happen. In fact, Aaron made sure to make quick work of that chase for 714, doing so on Opening Day against the Cincinnati Reds. With one out in the first, and runners on first and second, Aaron sent the Jack Billingham offering over the wall in left center, tying Ruth atop the all time list.

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That home run also brought about an increase in scrutiny. Aaron had already been receiving death threats and racially charged letters for some time, especially as it was becoming clearer that he, a black man, was about to truly challenge the home run record held by the beloved Ruth. Yet, throughout it all, Aaron continued to go about his business with the grace and dignity that marked his career.

The tie with Ruth would not last long, as Aaron would break the record only a few days later (that’s going to be a future This Day in Baseball History post). It also serves to show the difference between the game then and now, as Aaron’s every move would be filmed and he would be surrounded by a bevy of reporters asking questions until that record was broken. Yet, the pressure from the media may well have been preferable to the threats and hatred he received through the mail.

Next: The day Ping Bodie out-ate an ostrich

They say that records are made to be broken. On this day 42 years ago, Hank Aaron proved that axiom correct by tying what had been considered to be an unreachable record with his 714th home run.