On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron stepped to the plate in the fourth inning at Atlanta Stadium to face Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Al Downing with teammate Darrell Evans on first base. Aaron launched a 1-0 pitch deep into left center field into the glove of Braves’ relief pitcher Tom House who was patrolling that portion of the bullpen.
It was Aaron’s 715th career homer, breaking the existing record of 714 established four decades earlier by Babe Ruth.
Bedlam ensued shortly thereafter, with fans somehow getting onto the field to join Aaron’s home run trot. There was even a young Sarasota. FL, radio reporter in a gray overcoat who attempted to capture a moment or two with the day’s hero. That reporter? Craig Sager.
Here’s the boxscore from that historic day, 50 years ago. Note the Dodgers’ committed six errors during the Braves’ 7-4 win.
We were fortunate to have Dennis Hafeli join us on our podcast, Conversations with Sports Fans, last season. Hafeli was in attendance at this game and he shared his recollections during our conversation found here.
Just to review, The Fan Teaser comes courtesy of longtime buddy, Pat Schutte. The cropped photo below and the accompanying clue give you an idea as to who or what the image is of. We invite you to use the Comment option to take a crack at solving the Teaser and, if you’re so inclined, participate in some good-spirited banter with your fellow sports fans. The Fan Teaser will appear each Friday morning with the reveal coming to you Sunday.