Home Run Champion Hank Aaron Conquered Racism to Become An MLB Legend

When Hank Aaron stepped into the batter’s box in the bottom of the 4th inning in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1974, the capacity crowd in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium rose to their feet, anticipating he would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record. Sure enough, on the second pitch of the at-bat Aaron drove a fastball over the fence in left-center field. The stadium erupted. A couple of fans ran onto the field to congratulate Aaron while he rounded the bases. His Atlanta Braves teammates mobbed him at home plate. Soon after, he embraced his parents on the field, as adulation from the fans continued.