It’s been 50 years since Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th homer

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) - Monday is the 50th anniversary of Braves legend Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, which put him past Babe Ruth as baseball’s all-time leading home run hitter.

Aaron’s record-breaking home run, hit at the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, gave him 715 for his career, one more than Babe Ruth’s record of 714.

Hammerin’ Hank played for the Braves, first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta, and went on to hit 755 home runs throughout his career.

The career home run record is currently held by Barry Bonds, whose baseball accomplishments have been tainted by performance-enhancing drugs.

Aaron was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982. A 25-time All-Star, he set a record with 2,297 RBIs, the Associated Press reported.

Baseball’s Hall of Fame announced on Monday it will unveil a bronze statue of Hank Aaron on May 23 on the first floor of its museum in Cooperstown, New York, the Associated Press reported.

Former teammates, Braves executives and family members will remember Hank Aaron’s unwavering strength despite receiving racist hate mail and threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s home run record.

Teammates including Dusty Baker and Tom House will return Monday as the Braves celebrate the 50th anniversary of Aaron’s record-breaking homer. Baker was on deck and House caught the record homer in the Braves bullpen before delivering the ball to Aaron at home plate.

Also on Monday, the Atlanta History Center is opening an exhibit in his honor titled “More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron.” The ribbon cutting is scheduled for Monday at 10:30 a.m. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to attend.

The exhibit will remain open through the 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta.

Copyright 2024 WANF via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.