Where were you 50 years ago today? Me? I was two years old, probably with my mama as she studied for her college exams. But if you are older than two, this is a special day for Atlanta Braves fans, today Hank Aaron hit his history-making 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth‘s long-standing record.
Now, Aaron’s record has been broken, but he was the first to do it and the record stood for a long time. I wasn’t old enough to remember the moment, but as I got older, I remember hearing about what Aaron went through leading up to this moment.
The main thing that stood out for me was the numerous death threats he kept receiving. Let’s not forget this was the early 70s America was just coming out of the Civil Rights Era and Aaron was breaking a record of a man seen by many as a hero, especially in white America.
Aaron was getting death threats on a daily basis from nut cases ready to take him out because he had the nerve to break Ruth’s record.
Many of you are probably thinking that would never happen in 2024, but I beg to differ. Imagine having social media back 50 years ago, the way the world is today, it may have been worse.
Just look at what LSU’s Angel Reese is going through. All the harassment she is receiving online from “fans” who just don’t like her. To them, she is a villain.
Aaron was a villain to white supremacists who did not want him to pass Ruth. This should have been a proud, historic moment for most baseball fans, but for Aaron, it wasn’t.
He couldn’t celebrate because he feared for his life. But the moment finally came and Aaron finally hit his home run.
Braves announcer Milo Hamilton in that moment, perfectly sets the scene.
“He’s sitting on 714. Here’s the pitch by (Al) Downing. Swinging. There’s a drive into left-center field. That ball is gonna be … outta here! It’s gone! It’s 715! There’s a new home run champion of all time, and it’s Henry Aaron!
“The fireworks are going! Henry Aaron is coming around third, his teammates are at home plate, and listen to this crowd!”
One of the most memorable moments was seeing two fans coming out of the stands to congratulate the slugger as he rounded the bases. I remember hearing Aaron say years later that he thought that might have been the moment he was going to be taken out. Wow
Another thing I remember years later is hearing Aaron telling Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Al Downing who served up that pitch, that he was glad it was over. One of the greatest hitters and players of all time couldn’t enjoy his moment.
It’s sad to me to think looking back 50 years ago that although some things have changed, some things remain the same. Aaron’s record-breaking home run is more celebrated now than back then, as it should be especially with all that has happened since then with the steroid era.
But for one night, that night, Hank Aaron was the king of Major League Baseball.
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.