2020 Late December Auction Closing January 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/3/2021
On April 8, 1974, Aaron's fourth-inning home run off the Dodgers' Al Downing gave him 715 for his career and sent him past Babe Ruth on baseball's all-time list. Aaron drew a walk leading off the bottom of the second inning, leaving the sellout crowd of 53,775 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium restless. “He’s sitting on 714,” said Braves broadcaster Milo Hamilton right before one of the most famous swings in baseball history. “Here’s the pitch by Downing. Swinging. Here’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 timeless moment in baseball history covered the newsstands on April 9th. On the cover of this “Springfield Union” newspaper is an image of Aaron during his historic blast. The article reads “Aaron Hits 715 Topping Babe’s HR Mark.” The paper has toned due to age and Aaron signed the image on the paper’s cover in a blue marker. The signature comes with a COA from JSA (GG64682).