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JT2 -> RE: MLB General Information PT 4 (4/8/2017 11:19:05 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SoMnFan
On this date: Aaron becomes the home run king
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron surpasses Babe Ruth as the all-time home run leader with his 715th homer.
I was 12 and we were invited up the road to our neighbors house that evening.
As the parents and others gathered in the kitchen, I snuck away to the old huge black-and-white TV with the crappy reception they had in their living room.
I honestly expected that chase to go on for awhile, Hank had a ton of pressure on him, and the talk all Spring was about him dealing with the death threats and the racial pressure.
Babe Ruth was our white hero, he was the symbol of the game to white America and many could not handle that his precious records were about to be broken and tainted.
My parents were the most open-minded people I'd ever met, and they followed the chase with great interest, pulling hard for him to break the record.
I remember yelling as soon as he swung, for Hanks homers were that way. You knew they were gone before he made contact. Fast, hard, and compact was his beautiful swing.
I remember my parents racing in from the other room, and watching in glee.
I remember my heart racing into my throat as the two young white men who had jumped on to the field approached Hank. We had been so conditioned to expect the worst behavior, but fortunately, thankfully, they were there to celebrate with him, albeit illegally.
It was a huge event. Everyone came into the room and stood in silence for the longest time. It was a record we thought never achievable, really.
But the racial implications and accomplishment overshadowed the athletic part of the accomplishment (at the time) by miles. People in my part of the world were split into groups, as usual.
Some cried in joy, some sulked in anger. It was history, and I was lucky to see it live as it happened. And I'll never forget how it made me feel.
It was interesting to still be alive and interested when Barry Bonds began to get close. Trust me it was NOTHING like the chase Mr Aaron had to endure.
Fantastic stuff Scott.
Aaron and Ali, not only the best at what they did, they did it under circumstances that need to be remembered. Certainly there was a contrast in style, but both of these men contributed to society in profound ways, way beyond their mastery of sport.
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