Hank Aaron Breaks Babe Ruth's Home Run Record

Braves legend hits 715th homer in historic 1974 game

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Hank Aaron's 715th home run in a fractured, multi-perspective style, using the team colors of the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers to represent the momentous event.Hank Aaron's legendary home run shattered records and racial barriers, captivating the nation on a historic night in Atlanta.Atlanta Today

On April 8, 1974, Atlanta Braves slugger Hank Aaron made baseball history by hitting his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth's long-standing record. The momentous event took place in front of a national TV audience and a crowd of over 53,000 at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium, sparking a celebratory 11-minute delay as Aaron was mobbed by teammates and fans.

Why it matters

Aaron's historic achievement was a symbolic milestone in the civil rights movement, as the Black baseball icon broke the record of a legendary white player while facing racist backlash and hate mail. The moment represented progress and unity in a racially divided era.

The details

In the 4th inning, Aaron hit a 1-0 fastball from Dodgers pitcher Al Downing over the left-center field wall, tying the game at 3-3 and capping a 4-run rally for the Braves. The crowd erupted in cheers as Aaron rounded the bases, with two University of Georgia students even running onto the field to join his home run trot. Braves broadcaster Milo Hamilton's iconic call - "It's gone! It's 715! There's a new home run champion of all time, and it's Henry Aaron!" - captured the magnitude of the moment.

  • On April 8, 1974, at 9:10pm ET, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run.
  • The game was nationally televised on NBC.

The players

Hank Aaron

A 21-time MLB All-Star and first-ballot Hall of Famer in 1982, Aaron broke Babe Ruth's long-standing career home run record in 1974 while facing racist backlash.

Babe Ruth

One of the most iconic baseball players of all time, whose career home run record stood for nearly 40 years until it was broken by Hank Aaron in 1974.

Al Downing

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who gave up Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run.

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What they’re saying

“He's sitting on 714. Here's the pitch by 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!”

— Milo Hamilton, Braves Broadcaster

“There's a high drive into deep left-center field ... (Bill) Buckner goes back … it is gone!”

— Vin Scully, Dodgers Broadcaster

What’s next

Hank Aaron's historic 715th home run ball is now on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

The takeaway

Hank Aaron's record-breaking home run transcended baseball, becoming a symbolic moment in the civil rights movement and a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. His achievement united a divided nation and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in MLB history.