photo by Dave Pickoff. Mays and Aaron in 1972, which was the second-to-last season of Mays' career.
By Zachary D. Rymer ,
On April 8, 1974, more than 50,000 fans
descended on Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to watch the Los Angeles
Dodgers take on the Atlanta Braves.
That's what the box score will tell you, anyway. In reality, those fans were there for the sake of a man and a number: Hank Aaron and 715.Aaron arrived at the park with 714 career home runs to his name, tying him with Babe Ruth for the most all time. Between him needing one more to top Ruth and the fact that the game was Atlanta's home opener, it's no wonder a massive celebration had been prepared.
An American flag in the shape of the United States was painted on the grass in center field, which, according to Ron Fimrite of Sports Illustrated, served as the site for a pregame television special. Pearl Bailey was there to sing the national anthem. Sammy Davis Jr. was also in attendance, as were Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson and then-Georgia governor Jimmy Carter.
Also arranged were several thousand balloons, dancers and two bands. And whereas typical Atlanta openers had 17 policemen on duty, this one had 63...Continue reading...
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