Hank Aaron rose above racist hate mail and threats in pursuit of Ruth's home run record 50 years ago - Gainesville Times

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Hank Aaron rose above racist hate mail and threats in pursuit of Ruth's home run record 50 years ago

Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron eyes the flight of the ball after hitting his 715th career homer in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta on Monday, April 8, 1974. Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 career home runs. Dodgers southpaw pitcher Al Downing, catcher Joe Ferguson and umpire David Davidson look on. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)

04082024 Hank Aaron homer 01 — Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron eyes the flight of the ball after hitting his 715th career homer in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Atlanta on Monday, April 8, 1974. Aaron broke Babe Ruth's record of 714 career home runs. Dodgers southpaw pitcher Al Downing, catcher Joe Ferguson and umpire David Davidson look on. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)

Hank Aaron refused to be intimidated by racist hate mail or threats during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's home run record.

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