A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On April 8, 1974, 51 years ago today, Henry Aaron sent the second pitch of his second at-bat over Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium’s left-centerfield wall and became MLB’s new home run king with the 715th of his career.
Babe Ruth’s mark of 714 had stood for nearly four decades, and no one had threatened that mark since Ruth retired. No other players but Aaron and his contemporary Willie Mays had even surpassed 600 home runs in their careers.
“Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron had finished the 1973 season just one shy of Ruth.